The economic downturn seems to have hit Mumbai’s metro rail project. On Friday, none of the seven shortlisted consortia, comprising some of the world’s best infrastructure and transportation majors, turned up to submit bids for the second line of the project. This, despite the bid submission date being postponed thrice at their behest. Earlier, the bid date was December 31, 2008 which was extended to January 31 and then to February 13. The letter and a blank application form received by MMRDA from Reliance Energy, which is constructing the first line between Versova and Ghatkopar via Andheri, is indicative of the current financial situation. The company, which was one of the seven shortlisted consortia, has expressed regret for not being able to participate in the bidding due to the slump. Now, the MMRDA has, on its own, extended the bidding date till March 16. According to sources, if there is no response by this date, it could result in a delay of six months to one year in the bidding process. Recently, chief minister Ashok Chavan had said the state would put Metro’s second line into execution mode from March 1, 2009. The Centre had agreed to extend its share of Rs 1,532 crore for this Rs 7,660 crore project and 90% of the route was declared free from acquisition.
Shortlisted Consortia: L & T Infrastructure Development Projects Ltd, GE India Infrastructure Pvt Ltd, Construcciones Y Auxiliar De Ferrocarriles Pioneer Infratech, Mitsubishi and Tata Power GVK, Yeoh Tiong Lay (Malaysia), Bombardier Transportation (USA) Reliance Industries Ltd led by Mukesh Ambani, Siemens, and Gammon India Ltd Essar, Alstom, and Lanco Infrastructure Leasing and Financial Services Ltd, IL & FS Transportation Networks Ltd, and Punj Lloyd Ltd Anil Ambani-led Reliance Energy, Reliance Communication and SNC Lavalin
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