Bengaluru: The Rail Infrastructure Development Company (Karnataka) Limited (KRIDE) will float fresh tenders to complete the pending works of the stalled corridor-2 of the Bengaluru Suburban Rail Project (BSRP).The decision comes in the backdrop of the previous contractor, Larsen & Toubro (L&T), terminating the contract with KRIDE, allegedly due to delays in the handover of land for construction and other related issues. On Monday, KRIDE Board, headed by the chief secretary, decided to float fresh tenders to complete the pending works of corridor-2 (Mallige Line) between Benniganahalli and Chikkabanavara in three packages.KRIDE stated the decision was made based on the advice of the advocate general to float tenders for the balance civil works pending arbitration proceedings. Tenders will be invited in three packages for corridor-2 and are expected to be awarded by Dec 2025. Tenders for the balance civil works for corridor-4 are also expected to be invited in suitable packages by Nov 2025. This critical decision was taken by the board following the unilateral and illegal termination of corridor-2 and 4 contracts by LT. Earlier, L&T entered into two agreements with KRIDE for corridor-2 (Chikkabanavara to Benniganahalli) and corridor-4 (Heelalige to Rajanukunte) on Aug 26, 2022, and Dec 30, 2023, respectively. The contract periods were later extended up to Sept 2026 and Oct 2026 upon requests from the contractor.The release stated that arbitration proceedings between L&T and KRIDE have begun, with retired judges of the high court and Supreme Court nominated for the three-member board of arbitrators. KRIDE is also contesting the stay granted on the encashment of the bank guarantee by the commercial court.
