BMRCL puts brakes on BEML bid

BMRCL puts brakes on BEML bid
DH News Service, Bangalore:
Bangalore-headquartered PSU Bharat Earth Movers Limited (BEML), though the lowest bidder for supply of rolling stock (coaches) for Namma Metro rail project, is in danger of losing the tender as its quotation is found to be Rs 250 crore more than its bid for the Delhi Metro Rail Corporations work last year.


Sources said the first round of negotiations between representatives of BEML, DMRC, Ministry of Urban Development and Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL), held here on Wednesday, was inconclusive with BEML being set a December 20 deadline to submit a lower quotation.

The BEML led consortium, comprising Rotem and Mitsubishi, emerged as the lowest bidder to manufacture and supply rolling stock. The consortium is firm on its present quotation despite having the twin advantages of easy delivery as its plant is virtually next to the Byappanahalli Depot of Namma Metro and tax concessions.

BMRCL sources said a higher cost will ultimately get passed on to the end user, the consumer, in the form of higher fares for travel by metro rail. Hence, it would be in public interest for BEML to reduce its quotation and offer a fresh bid that equals its offer to DMRC. The present bid is 17 per cent more than the DMRC bid.
BMRCL had received four bids in the global tender called for design, manufacture, supply, test and commission of 150 cars (50 train sets with three cars each) for the first phase of Namma Metro project and the BEML-led consortium eventually emerged the lowest bidder. The other three were Alstom Projects, Siemens AG and Bombardier Transportation GmbH.

HC notice to govt

The High Court has ordered notice to the State government in connection with the land acquisition for Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL).

Hearing a petition by Zakirunnisa and two others who have moved the High Court challenging the acquisition of land by Karnataka Industrial Area Development Board (KIADB), the Court has ordered notice.

The petitioners, who own 2,250 square feet of property between R V Road and Basavanagudi have objected to the acquisition of their property saying 9,778.401 sq meters is being acquired by changing the earlier alignment.
The petitioners have sought to place all notification reports, alignment reports, station designs and other details in this connection.

The Court, which heard the matter, has ordered notice to Commissioner, Industry and Commerce Department, KIADB, special land acquisition officer, Karnataka State Pollution Control Board, BMRC and others.