The authority had invited bids for a new operator in January, but has scrapped the bids saying fresh bids would be floated soon
After failing to enlist Malaysian firm Scomi Engineering to fix technical faults in India's only monorail system, now the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) is struggling to transfer the public transport system to the next private operator without any hiccups.
The authority had invited bids for a new operator in January, but has scrapped the bids saying fresh bids would be floated soon. Sources, however, say that MMRDA was forced to scrap the bids after current operator Scomi Engineer refused to share passwords and codes of the functioning system. Scomi Engineering holds the patent for the design and certain technology of the Monorail train.
"Scomi Engineer has concerns about trip revenue sharing for the new bids and handing over the passwords and codes for the Monorail system," said a source. "This is proving to be a hurdle in the bidding for the next operator." At the time of going to press, Scomi Engineering did not respond e-mail inquiries sent by DNA.
Presently, MMRDA pays Rs 3,131 for each trip for Operation and Maintenance (O&M) expenditures borne by Scomi Engineering. Due to project execution delays and stressed financial condition of the Malaysian firm, a couple of years ago, Scomi Engineering representatives sought a 100% increase in per trip cost, which was MMRDA struck down.
In January, MMRDA had floated bids for O&M of the 19.69-km long Mumbai Monorail between Chembur-Jacob Circle (Sant Ghadge Maharaj Chowk). A private firm was to be appointed after due tender process by now.
Sanjay Khandare, Additional Metropolitan Commissioner -MMRDA, said, "We have scrapped the bidding process from the earlier exercise, and will re-bid in search of a new operator soon. We are also awaiting legal opinion from the advocate general in relation to the operation of monorail."
Monorail woes
Ever since the first phase of the monorail was commissioned between Wadala and Chembur, it has been in the news for constant breakdowns in the rakes.
Last week, it halted halfway into the Chembur station due to power-failure. Khandare, said, "Regarding the recent breakdown, we have sought a report from the contractor responsible for operating the services, and once it is submitted, further decision would be taken."
In 2015, a rake was stuck mid-section near Bhakti Park, Wadala.
In 2016, services were disrupted thrice due to problems related to tyre bursts and tyre fall of the rolling stock. Services were also disrupted several times due doors opening or problems in electrification.
Of the total 10 rakes in the first phase, now only six are functional; four are under maintenance. Scomi is yet to deliver the additional five rakes, as per contract with MMRDA.
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