Bombay High Court Quashes CIDCO’s Bid Rejection for Navi Mumbai Airport Projects
Navi Mumbai, 8th May 2025: In a major development for Navi Mumbai’s infrastructure, the Bombay High Court has overturned CIDCO’s decision to disqualify the Thakur-Everaskon JV’s Rs 3,477 crore bids for two key projects in the Navi Mumbai Airport Influence Notified Area (NAINA). The court also cancelled contracts awarded to PNC-Akshay JV and Ashok-Akshay JV, directing CIDCO to reassess all eligible bids, including those from Thakur-Everaskon, for the crucial infrastructure works.
A division bench led by Chief Justice Alok Aradhe ruled that CIDCO’s evaluation process lacked fairness and transparency. The court noted that objections against Thakur-Everaskon JV were acted upon, but similar complaints against rival bidders were ignored, resulting in a discriminatory and legally flawed process. CIDCO was ordered to reconsider all financial bids and award contracts afresh.
Background: Bidding Controversy
– CIDCO had invited tenders in July 2024 for infrastructure works worth Rs 1,568.86 crore and Rs 1,909 crore.
– Thakur-Everaskon JV, PNC-Akshay JV, and Ashok-Akshay JV submitted bids in November 2024.
Objections and clarifications were exchanged among bidders and CIDCO, and Thakur-Everaskon’s technical bid was ultimately rejected in October 2024.
– Thakur-Everaskon challenged the decision in the High Court, alleging unfair treatment and procedural lapses.
With the court’s intervention, CIDCO must review all bids, potentially altering the course of major infrastructure projects linked to the upcoming Navi Mumbai International Airport. The airport, set for inauguration in June 2025, is a Rs 16,700 crore greenfield project expected to transform regional connectivity and boost economic growth.
