Shiv Sena (UBT) MLC Levels Serious Allegations of Tender Rigging in Mumbai Infrastructure Projects
In a significant development, Shiv Sena (UBT) Member of Legislative Council (MLC) Anil Parab has raised serious allegations of large-scale rigging and cartelisation in the Rs 90 crore Vikhroli Foot Over Bridge (FoB) tender. The politician made these explosive claims on Sunday, also pointing to potential irregularities in other major infrastructure projects including the BKC–Chunabhatti connector.
Formal Complaint Lodged with Metropolitan Commissioner
Parab has formally written to Metropolitan Commissioner Sanjay Mukherjee, demanding immediate intervention to scrap the questionable tenders. In his strongly-worded letter, the MLC outlined what he described as a systematic pattern of manipulation within the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority's (MMRDA) tendering processes.
Responding to the allegations, Commissioner Mukherjee stated that he has directed MMRDA's Director (Projects) Basavaraj Bhadragond to conduct a thorough enquiry into the Vikhroli FoB tender and submit a detailed report. Regarding the separate Atal Setu fibre optic cable installation tender, Mukherjee explained that telecom operators had requested free access to the telecom infrastructure, and the matter is currently pending at the state government level for a final decision.
"To avoid creating third-party rights through contract awards, we have put this particular tender on hold," Mukherjee clarified. He further emphasized that "MMRDA follows a transparent and robust tendering process, strictly adhering to Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) guidelines. All tenders undergo independent scrutiny by reputed third parties to ensure complete fairness and regulatory compliance."
Allegations of Systematic Manipulation in Tender Process
Parab countered these assurances with specific allegations, claiming that MMRDA has developed a new modus operandi: first floating tenders and inviting bids, then pressuring certain bidders to withdraw, and finally awarding contracts to predetermined companies. The MLC warned that if this practice continues unchecked, he will escalate the matter before multiple oversight bodies including the Lokayukta, the Central Vigilance Commission, and the state legislature.
Regarding the Rs 90-crore Vikhroli FoB tender specifically, Parab revealed that "the tender has not been opened even two months after the closing date." He provided disturbing details: "Initially, six bidders participated in the process, but four were allegedly forced to withdraw under pressure. Now only two bidders remain, and MMRDA appears to be preparing to award the tender to M/s Speco."
Demands for Transparency and Accountability
The Shiv Sena (UBT) leader has made several concrete demands:
- The Vikhroli FoB tender must be opened transparently in the presence of all stakeholders
- Alternatively, the tender should be cancelled and reissued with proper safeguards
- Companies that withdrew under pressure should be blacklisted
- Security deposits of withdrawing companies should be forfeited
"If the Vikhroli FoB tender is ultimately awarded to M/s Speco, I will raise this issue before the Lokayukta, the CVC, and during the upcoming legislative session," Parab warned unequivocally.
Pattern of Irregularities Across Multiple Projects
Parab extended his allegations to the Atal Setu fibre optic cable tender, claiming it has been extended 8 to 10 times since February without any legitimate justification. According to the MLC, these repeated extensions appear designed to benefit a specific company.
"A disturbing new pattern has emerged within MMRDA," Parab asserted. "After issuing tenders, other bidders are systematically pressured to withdraw, ultimately allowing work to be awarded to predetermined companies."
To ensure greater transparency, Parab has formally requested that MMRDA provide detailed information on all tenders floated since January 2026 that have been extended more than three times. This information should include:
- Name of the work and estimated cost
- Names of all participating bidders
- Names of bidders who withdrew
- Final contractor details
The allegations come at a critical time for Mumbai's infrastructure development and raise serious questions about the integrity of public procurement processes in major projects worth hundreds of crores of rupees.
