Pune: Poor Management And Lack Of Transparancy; CAG Comments On Functioning Of Mahametro

Pune, 30th April 2023: New tender rates may be higher than existing consultancy firm contracts to avoid delays in the tendering process. Citing this reason, Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) has come down heavily on Metro for giving the work of the Pune Metro Rail Project to the General Consultancy working for MahaMetro Nagpur Metro Project without conducting the tender process. Even after the CAG reprimanded the work of Mahametro, it is observed that there are many errors.

The CAG report was released on 12th December 2022. While criticizing the Metro in the report, it said the saving of money and delays in the tendering process were unconvincing support given by Mahametro. CAG also pointed out that this shows a lack of transparency in key works along with poor management practices.

The report mentions that M/s AECOM, AGIS, and RITES of Sistra were awarded interim consultancy as General Consultants for Nagpur Metro Project. Along with this work, it was also given the additional work of the Pune Railway Project by paying Rs 183 crores on a nomination basis.

To avoid delays in the tender process and the rates of the new tender may be higher as compared to the contract of the existing consultancy firm. Therefore, Mahametro has supported that the same company has been given this work.

Mahametro took out the tender and again gave the work of the Pune Metro Rail Project to the same General Consultancy by paying Rs 185 crores. A total of Rs 368.09 crore was given to this company while Rs 221.93 crore was given to this company for the Nagpur Metro Rail Project.

In fact, as a general consultant for Pune Metro, even after taking more money than Nagpur, there are many errors in the work of Pune Metro. Meanwhile, Mahametro Project Director Abhay Gadgil and Metro Public Relations Officer Hemant Sonawane could not be contacted in this regard.