Mumbai: Nationalist Congress Party (Sharadchandra Pawar) MLA Rohit Pawar on Sunday demanded that the urban development department, headed by Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, make public the investigation report on corruption allegations leveled by French company Systra against the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA).
Allegations of Concealment
Pawar alleged that the report contains severe observations regarding corruption involving certain MMRDA officials. He pointed out that more than a year has passed since Shinde ordered a probe into Systra's complaint, yet the findings remain under wraps.
"Why this secrecy? It is learnt that the report contains scathing observations regarding corruption involving certain MMRDA officials. Suppressing the findings only deepens suspicion and damages the state government's credibility internationally. This issue has not only tarnished the image of MMRDA and Maharashtra but has also brought disrepute to the state globally. The government must immediately make the report public and take action against those responsible. I have asked the UD department to share the report with me to make it public. I will be taking up this issue in the monsoon session of the legislature," Pawar said in a post on X.
Official Communication
Pawar has written to Additional Chief Secretary of the Urban Development Department, Aseem Gupta, requesting that the report be made public. MMRDA did not issue any response to Pawar's allegations on Sunday.
Background of the Complaint
In 2025, French multinational Systra accused senior MMRDA officials of corruption, alleging severe harassment and challenges in carrying out its work. The complaint, routed through the French embassy, highlighted Systra's track record in executing rail and metro projects in India. It stated, "Since August 2023, Systra has been facing severe problems in its daily operations, escalating to the suspension of its payments due in January 2024."
Details of Allegations
The French company claimed that troubles began in August 2023 following a leadership change at MMRDA. As the general consultant for Mumbai's Metro Lines 5, 6, 7A, 9, 10, and 12, and the detailed design provider for Lines 2A, 7, and associated depots, Systra alleged that MMRDA officials started demanding monetary benefits, thinly veiled as requests from higher-ups.
Previous Denials
The MMRDA had previously denied the allegations. In March 2025, Shinde directed Gupta to investigate the complaint and submit a report within 15 days.
