Kochi: In a major relief for Kochi Metro Rail Limited (KMRL) authorities, the Delhi High Court has vacated the stay on awarding the contract for laying non-ballasted tracks for the Metro project.
The court had earlier stayed awarding the contract based on a plea filed by Kalpataru Power Transmissions Ltd challenging the tender process initiated by Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC).
The High Court verdict will help DMRC to expedite the tendering process and entrust the work without further delay.
The DMRC had awarded two separate contracts for laying ballasted and non-ballasted tracks to IRCON International, a Central government PSU in September this year.
Non-ballasted tracks facilitate movement of high-speed trains and require lesser maintenance. There were apprehensions that the court order might affect the timely completion of the project.
Since the technical bid submitted by Kalpataru Power Transmissions Ltd was rejected by DMRC, its financial bid need not be considered. However, the court asked for the financial bid submitted by the firm to be opened and found it to be in fourth place.
Hence, the allegations raised by them in court have become redundant, it was pointed out.
Now, IRCON can proceed with the contract agreement. IRCON is a specialized constructions firm covering the entire spectrum of construction activities with special focus on Railway and Highway construction and mass rapid transport system (MRTS).
The firm has partnered several Metro projects within and outside the country including the prestigious Delhi Metro.
