Economic downturn hits MTHL project, five engineers sacked

The economic slowdown seems to have hit the Rs 6000-crore Mumbai Trans Harbour Link (MTHL) project connecting Sewri and Nhava hard as the Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC) has sacked five engineers hired to administer bidding process of the project.       

The implementing agency has also sought advice of the state government on how to go with the 22 km long MTHL as not a single bidder came forward to execute the project so far.        

 "It is not sure when the project will see light of the day. Hence, agency has decided to discontinue the services of the engineers hired for this specific work. Now we are awaiting for state government advice," an MSRDC officer said.    

Refusing to divulge the reason for sacking five hired engineers, MSRDC Chief Engineer Subhash Nage said now their own staff would look after the bidding process and other related work.       

"We have discontinued services of five engineer who were hired to look after the bidding process. Our staff will replace them to oversee the necessary process pertaining to the project," Nage told PTI.     

Sources said that five engineers who were sacked include a chief general manager, two general managers and two executive managers, who were hired between October 2008 and January 2009.