Mumbai | Correspondent
Mumbai’s infrastructure development projects have come under scrutiny following allegations of irregularities in the tendering processes of the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA).
Senior Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray faction) leader and Member of Legislative Council (MLC), Adv. Anil Parab, has alleged that certain MMRDA tenders show signs of procedural irregularities and possible favoritism. He has claimed that these issues may have resulted in a lack of fair competition and potential financial implications for public projects.
According to Parab, concerns have been raised regarding several infrastructure projects, including tenders related to fiber optic cable installation on the Atal Setu, the BKC–Chunabhatti connector project, and the construction of a Foot Over Bridge (FoB) in Vikhroli. He has alleged that the bidding processes in these projects may have been influenced in a manner that affected transparency.
In a communication addressed to the Metropolitan Commissioner Sanjay Mukherjee, Parab has sought an inquiry into what he describes as procedural irregularities in certain tenders.
One of the cases highlighted involves the ₹90 crore Vikhroli Foot Over Bridge project. Parab has alleged that although multiple bidders had initially participated, the tender process has not yet been concluded. He has also raised concerns regarding the withdrawal of some bidders and has called for transparency in the process, including either re-evaluation or reissuance of the tender.
Another issue raised pertains to the Atal Setu fiber optic cable tender, which, according to Parab, has reportedly been extended multiple times since February. He has sought clarification on the reasons for these extensions and their impact on the bidding process.
Parab has requested MMRDA to provide details of tenders issued since January 2026 that have undergone repeated extensions, including information on bidders and final award decisions.
He has indicated that if satisfactory responses are not received, he may approach oversight bodies such as the Lokayukta and the Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) and raise the matter in the legislative assembly.
MMRDA has not yet issued an official response regarding these allegations.
