The Rail Infrastructure Development Company (Karnataka) Ltd. (K-RIDE) has decided to invite fresh tenders for the balance civil works of Corridor-2, the Mallige Line between Benniganahalli and Chikkabanavara, in three separate packages.
The decision was taken at a KRIDE Board meeting chaired by the Chief Secretary of Karnataka on Monday, who also serves as the Chairman of KRIDE. The Board has authorised the Managing Director to initiate the tender process immediately to ensure that the project continues without further delay.
According to KRIDE, this move follows the advice of the Advocate General of Karnataka, who recommended calling for new tenders even as arbitration proceedings are underway. The tenders for Corridor-2 will be awarded by December this year, while tenders for the balance works of Corridor-4, Heelalige–Rajanukunte, are expected to be floated in November.
This development comes after the unilateral and illegal termination of contracts for both Corridor-2 and Corridor-4 by the contractor, Larsen and Toubro (L&T). L&T had earlier signed agreements with KRIDE for the two corridors on August 26, 2022, and December 30, 2023, with extended completion deadlines till September 2026 and October 2026, respectively.
Arbitration proceedings between KRIDE and L&T are already underway, with retired judges from the High Court and Supreme Court appointed to a three-member Board of Arbitrators. Meanwhile, KRIDE is contesting the stay granted by a commercial court on the encashment of L&T’s bank guarantee, said the release.
Published – October 06, 2025 11:53 pm IST
