Patna: The Bihar Urban Infrastructure Development Corporation (BUIDCO) has cancelled the contract for construction of Umanath Ghat in Barh, a project with a contract value of about Rs 46.08 crore.
The project, awarded to AA Patna JV, had recorded only 5% physical progress, while its financial progress stood at zero, according to BUIDCO.
The department has also directed the forfeiture of the agency’s performance security and additional performance guarantee and recommended that AA Patna JV be blacklisted for 10 years.
Project Details
The Umanath Ghat project received administrative approval of Rs 53.85 crore and envisaged construction along a 450-metre stretch.
The contract was signed on July 18, 2025, with the work scheduled to be completed by August 17, 2027.
Previous Blacklisting
According to BUIDCO’s findings, Amit Kumar, a partner in AA Patna JV, had previously been blacklisted for 10 years by Bihar’s Rural Works Department.
The order also refers to action taken by other government departments, including the Road Construction Department.
Litigation Details Cited
BUIDCO said the affidavit and litigation history submitted by the agency as part of the tender process did not fully disclose cases pending before the Patna High Court.
The department treated the omission as concealment of material information and sought an explanation from the agency. BUIDCO said the response was not satisfactory.
High Court Proceedings
The contractor had approached the Patna High Court in connection with the matter. During the proceedings, BUIDCO was directed to provide the relevant documents and give the contractor an opportunity to present its case.
The department subsequently reviewed the available records and the explanation submitted by the agency before taking action.
Further Action
Along with cancellation of the contract, BUIDCO has ordered the forfeiture of the performance security and additional performance guarantee furnished by AA Patna JV.
It has also recommended a 10-year blacklisting of the agency. The cancellation has raised questions over the continuation and future execution of the Umanath Ghat project in Barh.
