Turkish Firm Owes Rs 800 Million to Metro Contractors

Gulermak, a Turkish company involved in constructing the underground section of the Kanpur Metro, has allegedly left India without clearing dues of Rs 800 million owed to 53 subcontractors. The project was jointly executed with Sam India under the supervision of Uttar Pradesh Metro Rail Corporation (UPMRC).

The payment delays reportedly began after diplomatic tensions between India and Turkey following Operation Sindoor. Contractors claim they received irregular payments before company officials vacated Kanpur and ceased communication. Despite repeated appeals, UPMRC has not intervened, prompting nine contractors to submit formal complaints to the District Magistrate.

Specific dues listed include Rs 37 million to Metro Marble, Rs 17 million to Shreyans Infratech, and Rs 12 million to Radiant Services, among others. UPMRC stated that its payments to Gulermak were complete and that the unpaid firms were subcontracted directly by Gulermak.

The corporation has retained five per cent of the contract value as reserve and may release it to resolve the issue if Gulermak fails to pay. The incident has raised concerns over due diligence in international contracting for public infrastructure projects.

Source:Financial Express