Nagpur: West Nagpur MLA and President of Nagpur City (District) Congress, Vikas Thakre, proudly announced that his efforts have saved Rs 275.50 crore of taxpayer money after exposing a Rs 1,300 crore tender scam in the Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) regarding the purchase and operation of 250 electric buses.
“I raised several issues in the State Assembly, including NMC’s tender for the purchase and operation of 250 electric buses in Nagpur. After my complaint and the threat of launching a strong protest, NMC was forced to issue a fresh tender. This success is due to the overwhelming support of the people of Nagpur. I have consistently been at the forefront of raising significant public issues, and I will continue to work tirelessly for the welfare of Nagpurians,” Thakre declared.
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Wednesday01 Jan. 2025
According to a press release issued by Thakre, the new tender has brought several successes to NMC, as it managed to secure the lowest rate in India’s history for the purchase and operation of electric buses. The joint venture of EKA Mobility and Hansa Travels offered the lowest rate at Rs 62.9 per kilometer (Rs 1,148 crore for the entire contract). Initially, NMC had begun the process to award the contract to a subsidiary of Megha Engineering and Infrastructure Limited at Rs 78 per kilometer (Rs 1,423.5 crore for the entire contract). Despite receiving only one bid, NMC was ready to sign the contract, which was against several rules, including those of the Lok Sabha election code of conduct. Thakre’s initiative saved public funds.
Thakre further stated that Megha Engineering and Infrastructure Limited is the same company that contributed the most to the BJP through electoral bonds. The Maharashtra Government’s MSRTC had also awarded a contract for 5,000 electric buses to a subsidiary of Megha Engineering and Infrastructure Limited at Rs 78 per kilometer.
Thakre had previously uncovered major irregularities in the operations of NMC, specifically pointing out the preferential treatment given to Evey Trans Company, a controversial entity involved in purchasing electoral bonds. Evey Trans was set to receive the contract for supplying and operating 250 electric buses over a 10-year period with a budget of Rs 1,300 crore.
Thakre’s revelations pushed the NMC administration to take a closer look at the bidding process, resulting in calls for its cancellation. Despite multiple contenders vying for the contract, Evey Trans was awarded the bid under questionable circumstances.
The MLA approached municipal authorities, urging them to reconsider their decision and reopen the bidding process. He also alleged that Evey Trans Pvt. Ltd., a subsidiary of Megha Engineering Company based in Hyderabad, was the direct beneficiary of the dubious contract.
Additionally, the NMC extended the bidding deadline, which Thakre viewed as a tactic to avoid immediate scrutiny. He warned that failure to address the irregularities could result in legal consequences for the authorities involved.
