(ET)
State-run Bharat Heavy Electricals Ltd (BHEL) has written to the Railway Board saying a recent tender floated by the transporter for supply of propulsion systems favours select companies.
The Integral Coach Factory in Chennai has floated a tender for acquiring propulsion systems for 141 electric trains. BHEL, which has been regularly supplying locos and equipment to the railways, has complained that it is being kept out as the tender favours only three Indian companies. Another potential bidder from the private sector has sought more time.
In a letter to Railway Board chairman Ashwani Lohani, BHEL has said this may lead to cost escalation. “BHEL is getting deprived of the opportunity for being considered for bulk quantity in view of change in eligibility criteria,” BHEL chairman Atul Sobti wrote in the letter. ET has seen a copy of the letter.