CPI seeks open tenders for APTRANSCO rooftop solar projects

The Communist Party of India (CPI) has urged Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu to order open competitive tenders for the proposed 327.46 KWp Grid Connected Rooftop Solar (GCRT) systems planned at various APTRANSCO premises in Vijayawada.

In a letter addressed to the Chief Minister on Tuesday, CPI State secretary G. Eswaraiah alleged that the project, estimated to cost around ₹1.88 crore, was being proposed through a nomination-based process under NREDCAP instead of a transparent competitive bidding mechanism. The proposed works include installation of rooftop solar systems at APTRANSCO facilities such as car parking areas, the gym building, guest house and Gunadala premises.

Mr. Eswaraiah pointed out that an earlier NREDCAP tender for 378 KWp rooftop solar projects in government hospitals had resulted in considerable savings through open bidding. While the estimated cost under the NREDCAP rate contract was around ₹1.63 crore, the contract was ultimately awarded for nearly ₹1.45 crore, leading to savings of about ₹18 lakh to the government, he said.

The CPI leader also referred to complaints allegedly raised against M/s Maheswari Projects Pvt. Ltd. over irregularities in empanelment documents, including turnover certificates, work orders, commissioning certificates and experience records. He said that despite several complaints and representations, NREDCAP had neither issued any clarification nor made public any action taken report.

Demanding that the APTRANSCO solar projects be taken up only through open competitive tenders, Mr. Eswaraiah said such a process would ensure transparency, fairness, competition and better value for public money.