MSRDC reissues toll tender due to insufficient bidders
The state-run Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC) has reissued the tender, seeking bidders for the operation of 8 toll plazas dotting the 210-km-long stretch between Nagpur and Washim, which will be inaugurated on May 2. The tender process is open till April 25.
On April 15, the FPJ had exclusively reported about the opening date. It even quoted a highlyplaced source about the manpower shortage needed to complete the remaining path, extending further from Washim to Shirdi.
The tender has been reissued because the earlier process didn't fetch a suitable response. Just two bidders showed interest and one of them got disqualified during technical scrutiny. With just one available bidder, the toll operations can't be handed over, said the MSRDC official. "We are paying only for the services that the appointed toll operator will give in terms of manpower at 26 toll nakas of the entire stretch. The toll revenue will be in an escrow account
of MSRDC which will be used to make payments of project loans directly."
As several vehicles have now opted for FASTag, the toll money will go directly into the linked account of MSRDC. Whereas the small cash that will come in the toll will be handed over to us by the operator every next day of collection, the official apprised.
"Also, the MSRDC will appoint a single contractor who can operate all 26 toll plazas. The work of toll operation will be carried out as per the phases that will be opened up for traffic," it was added.
The MSRDC will charge Rs 1.73per km as toll from light motor vehicle and car users. The toll will depend on the type of vehicle that will ply on this newly-made highway as it opens.