Subcontractors remove machines from Metro sites

Only Gammon India’s equipment remain at worksites, CMRL officials say

work stalled:After the termination of Gammon India’s contract, CMRL has issued a tender. Metro work along Anna Salai is likely to begin soon after the contract is awarded. —file photo

Subcontractors of Gammon India have started removing their machines from Chennai Metro Rail worksites along Anna Salai.

Gammon India was one of the contractors of Chennai Metro Rail project that had to carry out underground construction in Anna Salai until a year ago when their contract was terminated.

Ground reality

According to officials of Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL), they have allowed only the subcontractors to take out their machines.

“We didn’t want to hold their equipment,” an official said.

“Anyway, the tender process is currently on. So, the work may begin in another two months,” he added.

Only Gammon India’s equipment remains at the worksites, he confirmed.

In the past

Only a few days ago, CMRL and Gammon India had agreed for arbitration before the Madras High Court.

In 2011, Chennai Metro Rail awarded a contract worth Rs. 1,947 crore to Gammon India and Russian firm Mosmetrostroy for construction of seven underground stations along Anna Salai, including at LIC, Government Estate and Thousand Lights. But the work didn’t progress well, according to CMRL, and they issued showcause notices.

In May last year, Mosmetrostroy abandoned the project owing to a fund crunch. Subsequently, months later, CMRL terminated the contract of Gammon India since the contractor had failed to meet the deadlines of the project.

The tender process has been on for months now but officials say it may soon be finalised, and the work is likely to begin after the contract is awarded.