Delhi-Mumbai Expressway: Six Companies Bid for Stalled Package-9 of Vadodara-Virar Section

Surat: The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) is conducting a fresh tender process to expedite the stalled construction of Package-9 of the Vadodara–Virar section of the Delhi-Mumbai Expressway. Six infrastructure companies have bid for the 26.6-km stretch between Karvad and Jujuva in Valsad district. Notably, Roadway Solutions India Infra Limited, whose previous contract for the same package was terminated over slow progress and unsatisfactory performance, has also submitted a bid for the project.

The re-tender was issued after construction work on the stretch under the Surat unit of NHAI came to a standstill. With technical bids now opened, Agrawal Infrabuild, Singal Infra, Kalthia Engineering & Construction, Ashoka Buildcon, RRSM Infra and Roadway Solutions India Infra Limited have emerged as contenders. The financial bids will be opened following the completion of the technical evaluation, after which the contract will be awarded to the selected agency.

Under the fresh tender conditions, the contractor will be required to complete and hand over the 26.6-km stretch within 540 days, or approximately 18 months, from the date of award of the contract. This means motorists may have to wait another year and a half after the appointment of the new contractor before the section becomes operational.

Roadway Solutions’ participation raises questions

The participation of Roadway Solutions India Infra Limited has raised questions over the company’s eligibility, given its previous record on highway construction projects. The company’s contract for Package-6 was reportedly terminated following inadequate progress, while it was also issued a notice concerning Package-8.

Its renewed participation has triggered questions over why it was not disqualified at the tender stage despite its previous performance-related issues. The company’s inclusion has also raised concerns over the possibility of further delays in the completion of the Gujarat section of the Delhi-Mumbai Expressway, a key infrastructure project expected to improve connectivity and reduce travel time. DeshGujarat