Telangana govt awards Musi Riverfront consultancy to controversial Meinhardt

Despite mounting public outrage and criticism from the Opposition, the State government is moving forward with the Musi Riverfront Development Project and has awarded the consultancy contract to a consortium led by Meinhardt Singapore Private Limited. The selection of this firm, which has been embroiled in several controversies, has raised serious concerns about transparency and accountability in the execution of the Rs 1.5 lakh crore project.

In an



official order issued on October 4, Principal Secretary for Municipal Administration and Urban Development, M Dana Kishore, confirmed the awarding of the contract for “aggregate master planning” to a consortium that includes Meinhardt Singapore, Cushman & Wakefield India and RIOS Design Studios. The consultancy fee is set at Rs.166 crore, agreed upon at a “negotiated offer price” – a move that has drawn sharp criticism for the lack of transparency in the tendering process.