TANGEDCO cancels controversial Rs 1.3k cr coal import tender

22 Apr 2021 Editorial Team

In February, the Madras High Court had restrained TANGEDCO from opening the tender and price bids received for a Rs 1,330 crore worth tender for supply of 20 lakh tonne of imported steam coal of any origin to be delivered at the Kamarajar port at Ennore between May 2021 and May 2022.

According to a media source, the decision to cancel the tender was taken more than a month after opening the technical bids on March 10 from seven bidders, including Chettinad Logistics Private Ltd. Construction World has not been able to independently verify the news, however.

Ind-Vigo Coal Private Ltd, a Thoothukudi-based company, had first moved the Madras High Court alleging irregularities in the bidding process. The company had noted that as against the norm of providing 30 days notification for tenders above Rs 2 crore value, the TANGEDCO's tender notification validity was only 15 days for a global tender whose value is about Rs 1,330 crore.

Arappor Iyakkam, an anti-corruption NGO, had written to the utility seeking cancellation of the tender alleging that the new conditions were introduced into the coal tender that eliminates all Indian bidders and favours only foreign players. On March 12, the Madras High Court had warned TANGEDCO that it would quash the coal tender if any evidence of foul play was found.

The court was hearing public interest litigation filed by C Selvaraj, a retired assistant engineer of the TANGEDCO who sought a joint probe by the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI), Central Vigilance and the Directorate of Vigilance and Anti-Corruption (DVAC) into the alleged scam in the import of coal for thermal power generation.

Image Source

Also read: India clears way for major reforms in metals & minerals sector

After the Madras High Court’s intervention in February, Tamil Nadu Generation and Distribution Corporation Ltd (TANGEDCO) has reportedly cancelled the Rs 1,330 crore controversial coal import tender. The tender had been under the court's scrutiny for a while. In February, the Madras High Court had restrained TANGEDCO from opening the tender and price bids received for a Rs 1,330 crore worth tender for supply of 20 lakh tonne of imported steam coal of any origin to be delivered at the Kamarajar port at Ennore between May 2021 and May 2022. According to a media source, the decision to cancel the tender was taken more than a month after opening the technical bids on March 10 from seven bidders, including Chettinad Logistics Private Ltd. Construction World has not been able to independently verify the news, however. Ind-Vigo Coal Private Ltd, a Thoothukudi-based company, had first moved the Madras High Court alleging irregularities in the bidding process. The company had noted that as against the norm of providing 30 days notification for tenders above Rs 2 crore value, the TANGEDCO's tender notification validity was only 15 days for a global tender whose value is about Rs 1,330 crore. Arappor Iyakkam, an anti-corruption NGO, had written to the utility seeking cancellation of the tender alleging that the new conditions were introduced into the coal tender that eliminates all Indian bidders and favours only foreign players. On March 12, the Madras High Court had warned TANGEDCO that it would quash the coal tender if any evidence of foul play was found. The court was hearing public interest litigation filed by C Selvaraj, a retired assistant engineer of the TANGEDCO who sought a joint probe by the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI), Central Vigilance and the Directorate of Vigilance and Anti-Corruption (DVAC) into the alleged scam in the import of coal for thermal power generation. Image Source Also read: India clears way for major reforms in metals & minerals sector

Real Estate

08 Oct 2025

Bennet & Bernard Unveil Dutch-Inspired ‘Casa El Toledo’ in Goa

Bennet & Bernard Group, Goa’s leading luxury real estate developer, has launched its newest project, Casa El Toledo, in Assagao. The enclave features 18 ultra-luxury 4 BHK Dutch-style villas blending European charm with tropical elegance. Each villa includes a private pool, double-height ceilings, open courtyards, alfresco dining areas, and English-inspired landscaping. The interiors are curated by noted Dutch designer Kelly Marie. Reflecting the grandeur of the Dutch Golden Age, Casa El Toledo harmonises heritage aesthetics with modern sensibilities. Expansive interiors flow..

Equipment

08 Oct 2025

Godrej Delivers Heaviest Ecolaire Surface Condenser to US Project

Godrej Enterprises Group’s Process Equipment business has manufactured and delivered its heaviest Ecolaire® Surface Condenser to date, weighing nearly 450 metric tonnes, for a power-generation project in the United States. The project, powered by natural gas and partly designed for hydrogen compatibility, marks another step in advancing clean energy systems. Produced at the company’s GreenCo-certified Dahej facility in Gujarat, the equipment demonstrates India’s growing engineering capabilities and reinforces Godrej’s ‘Make in India for the World’ vision. Hussain S..

Infrastructure Energy

08 Oct 2025

India, Brazil Discuss Energy Ties And Oil Investments

Union Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas Hardeep Singh Puri held discussions with Celso Luis Nunes Amorim, Special Advisor to the President of Brazil, and senior Brazilian officials to strengthen bilateral cooperation in the oil, gas, and energy transition sectors. The talks took place during a dinner hosted by Kenneth H da Nobrega, Ambassador of Brazil to India, at his residence in New Delhi.Mr Puri said the meeting focused on Indian investments in Brazil’s oil and gas sector, as well as expanding collaboration in energy transition and biofuels. “The enriching conversation revolved ar..