AP's U-Turn on Swiss Challenge Method

AP Government took the call to withdraw the earlier notifications inviting competitive bids under the Swiss Challenge Method to develop the core capital of Amaravati.

On July 17th this year, Capital Region Development Authority (CRDA) issued a notification inviting proposals to develop the start-up area in AP Capital in competition with the deal offered by the Singapore Consortium. Soon, Aditya Housing & Infrastructure Development Ltd and Envian Engineers Pvt Ltd approached the High Court complaining how could they place the bids if the revenue share offered by Singapore Consortium wasn't disclosed. Later, AP Government issued another notification on August 28th.

A Single Judge issued a stay order on both these notifications after reaching a conclusion that AP Government isn't transparent. The court also opined that maintaining secrecy on revenue share offered by Singapore Consortium doesn't comply with the provisions of either AP Infrastructure Development Enabling Act & Swiss Challenge Method. 

Thereafter, AP Govt challenged the Single Judge order. During the hearing, AP Attorney General Srinivas informed the Court that State Government has decided to withdraw the notifications inviting competitive bids under Swiss Challenge Method. He added, 'Govt has made few amendments to AP Infrastructure Development Enabling Act and will issue fresh notifications inviting bidders soon'.