Mumbai, Sep 1 (IANS) The Maharashtra government has awarded the lucrative Mumbai toll collection contract to a private company, Mumbai Entry Point.

The decision by the cabinet sub-committee on infrastructure Tuesday night came amid apprehensions from several quarters that award of the project to Mumbai Entry Point could entail a loss of crores of rupees to the exchequer.

When contacted, Jaidatta Kshirsagar, minister in-charge of Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC), declined to comment on the issue.

Official sources said here Wednesday the decision would be subject to a Mumbai High Court ruling, as Reliance Infrastructure, whose bid was disqualified on technical grounds, has filed a case.

Officials in various departments concerned also refused to hazard a guess where the government would stand if the court rules against its decision to award the toll collection to MEP.

The finance department has earlier questioned how four of the seven bidders for the contract were shunted out on technical grounds or for lack of experience.

While the government contends that the average annual toll collection from the five entry points - Airoli, Dahisar, LBS Marg, Mulund and Vashi - is around Rs.225 crore, Reliance Infrastructure feels it is much higher, around Rs.400 crore.

The court's decision is awaited.

--Indo-News Service

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