KTR Alleges Rs 3,296-Crore Radial Road-2 Tender Scam
BRS leader KTR accuses the Telangana government of irregularities in the Rs 3,296-crore Radial Road-2 project, demanding an immediate inquiry.
In a massive political escalation, Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) working president KT Rama Rao (KTR) has leveled serious allegations of corruption against the Congress government in Telangana. KTR has accused the administration of massive irregularities regarding the Rs 3,296-crore Radial Road-2 tender process, demanding an immediate cancellation of the contracts and a high-level investigation.
In an open letter addressed to Chief Minister Revanth Reddy, the BRS leader raised several red flags concerning how multi-crore infrastructure contracts are being distributed, suggesting that the selection process lacks transparency and favors specific firms.
Questions Over Rapid Bid Evaluation
The Radial Road-2 project is a major infrastructure undertaking involving the construction of an 81.15-km greenfield expressway stretching from the Outer Ring Road at Budvel to NH-167N near Kodangal. To facilitate this, the project was split into three distinct packages.
KTR pointed out a suspicious timeline in the procurement process. According to the details provided, the deadline for bid submissions was September 30. However, the entire technical evaluation, eligibility assessment, financial bid opening, and final allocation process were reportedly completed by October 8. KTR questioned how it was humanly and procedurally possible to evaluate 13 complex bids for a project of this magnitude within just five working days.
Alleged Disqualifications and Cost Inflations
The BRS leader highlighted several discrepancies in how the packages were awarded:
- Package-I: Awarded to NCC Limited for Rs 1,286.03 crore, which is reportedly 3.95 per cent higher than the original estimated cost.
- Package-II: Awarded to BVSR.
- Package-III: Awarded to GKC.
KTR alleged that technical eligibility criteria were applied inconsistently. He claimed that certain companies were disqualified on technical grounds to clear the way for "preferred firms," even when those disqualified bidders had quoted lower prices. He specifically cited court proceedings involving Sushi Infra and Mining Limited, which alleged that its disqualification across all three packages could potentially result in a Rs 600 crore loss to the State exchequer.
Demands for Transparency and Audits
The BRS leader has not stopped at the Radial Road-2 project. He also raised concerns regarding the Radial Road-1 tender, noting that while the estimated cost was approximately Rs 591 crore, the final allocation was allegedly 15 per cent above that estimate.
To address these concerns, KTR has made a series of urgent demands to the Telangana government:
- Immediate cancellation of the Rs 3,296-crore Radial Road-2 tenders.
- Full disclosure of all tender documents, including estimated costs, comparative statements, and final contract values.
- Release of technical evaluation reports and specific reasons for the disqualification of bidders.
- A detailed investigation into the alleged Rs 600 crore loss to the state.
- A special CAG audit of all HMDA and HGCL contracts worth more than Rs 100 crore awarded over the last three years.
- The publication of a "white paper" on the entire tendering and contract allocation process.
KTR emphasized that the government must establish whether public money has been wasted and hold those responsible accountable if any wrongdoing is uncovered during the investigation.