The multi-storied car parking project worth a whopping Rs 52.64 crores at the bustling Gole Market in Gandhi Nagar, Jammu, has found itself embroiled in a controversy over allegations of irregularities in the bidding process. The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has taken the matter seriously by forwarding a complaint lodged by M/s TBA Infrastructure Pvt Ltd to the Jammu and Kashmir Anti-Corruption Bureau for further investigation.
Click Here to Join Whatsapp Group
The crux of the issue lies in M/s TBA Infrastructure Pvt Ltd, a prominent construction company with a track record of executing various projects across the Union Territory, claiming that its technical bid was unjustly declared non-responsive by the Jammu and Kashmir Housing Board (JKHB). This decision came despite the company meeting all eligibility criteria, as outlined in the e-NIT No. 59 of 2023-24 dated November 25, 2023, which invited tenders from eligible contractors for the engineering, procurement, and construction of the multi-storied car parking facility.
The project, initially proposed at a cost of Rs 19.40 crores, underwent a significant expansion in scope and budget after the Chief Secretary of Jammu and Kashmir suggested enhancements during a site visit. Consequently, the project involved the construction of an RCC (reinforced cement concrete) framed structure with waterproof formwork, brick walls/retaining walls, and a steel structure for a sky bridge at the Gole Market location.
Aggrieved by the JKHB’s decision to declare them non-responsive vide letter No. HU/11/1591 dated December 15, 2023, M/s TBA Infrastructure Pvt Ltd filed detailed objections, alleging that the bidding process was allegedly managed to unduly benefit a particular firm or firms. Specifically, the company alleged that the JKHB had declared only one firm, M/s Kapahi Contracts Pvt. Ltd and M/s Gupta Construction Company (JV), as responsive, raising suspicions of favoritism.
“We have been executing various construction works across Jammu and Kashmir with utmost transparency and quality,” said a spokesperson for TBA Infrastructure Pvt Ltd. “However, in this case, we were declared non-responsive without any valid justification, while M/s Kapahi Contracts Pvt. Ltd and M/s Gupta Construction Company (JV) were declared responsive without any apparent reason.”
The company further argued that a single tender process should be followed only in exceptional and unavoidable circumstances, with proper reasoning. However, in this case, TBA Infrastructure Pvt Ltd was declared non-responsive without any justification, while the Kapahi-Gupta joint venture was deemed responsive without valid reasons or justifications. “It is clear that the bidding process was managed to unduly benefit a particular firm or firms,” the TBA Infrastructure spokesperson alleged. “We have requested that our technical bid be declared responsive and that we be allowed to participate further in the tendering process.”
The CBI’s decision to forward the case to the J&K Anti-Corruption Bureau for further investigation suggests the seriousness of the allegations leveled by M/s TBA Infrastructure Pvt Ltd. The outcome of the investigation will determine whether any irregularities occurred during the bidding process and whether appropriate action needs to be taken against those responsible.
“We have received the complaint from the CBI, and our investigation into the matter is currently underway,” confirmed a source from the J&K Anti-Corruption Bureau, who wished to remain anonymous due to the sensitivity of the case. “We will thoroughly examine all aspects of the case and ensure that any wrongdoing, if found, is addressed appropriately.”
Notably, this is not an isolated incident of alleged nepotism and irregularities at the Jammu and Kashmir Housing Board (JKHB). In the past, there have been reports of the JKHB allowing contractors to commence work without completing the tendering process, in apparent violation of rules and norms.
One such instance involved the former Deputy General Manager of the JKHB’s Jammu unit, allegedly allowed a close contractor to start balance works at the Sub District Hospital (SDH) in Jourian without finalizing the tendering process. According to sources and local PRI members, around 80 percent of the works on the hospital building had already been completed before the tender was opened.
Shockingly, the contractor executing the works could not qualify in the tendering process, as someone else was declared the lowest bidder. In a suspected attempt to favor the unqualified contractor, the then DGM canceled the earlier tender and tried to refresh it, drawing allegations of abusing his official position for fishy reasons.
The qualified contractor, aggrieved by the arbitrary order to re-tender, approached the High Court for justice. The court, taking cognizance of the matter, directed the respondents not to finalize the re-tendering process until further orders. After the transfer of DGM in question, his successor stopped the works and withheld payment for the works executed in violation of rules. Despite a complaint being registered against the former DGM with the Anti-Corruption Bureau, no action has reportedly been taken, even after a year’s lapse. These repeated instances of alleged favoritism and irregularities have raised serious concerns about the functioning of the JKHB and the integrity of its bidding processes. Observers and stakeholders alike are questioning the transparency and fairness of the procedures, as well as the accountability measures in place to prevent such occurrences.
Despite multiple attempts, the Managing Director of the Jammu and Kashmir Housing Board, Ashish Kumar Gupta, could not be reached for comment on the status of the prestigious Gandhi Nagar car parking project, which now hangs in the balance. His response is eagerly awaited to shed light on the board’s stance and the steps being taken to address the allegations.
As the J&K Anti-Corruption Bureau delves into the matter, all eyes will be on the outcome of the investigation, which could have far-reaching implications for the project and those involved in the bidding process. The controversy has cast a shadow over the much-needed multi-storied car parking facility in the bustling Gandhi Nagar area, where parking woes have long plagued residents and visitors.
The Gandhi Nagar car parking project saga has once again highlighted the need for stringent measures to ensure transparency, accountability, and fair play in public procurement processes. It remains to be seen whether the investigation will uncover any wrongdoing and pave the way for corrective action, restoring public confidence in the system and ensuring that crucial infrastructure projects are executed without any taint of corruption or favoritism.
