Government refutes monopoly charge in relaying of track at JLN stadium

New Delhi: India is set to host the prestigious World Para Athletics Championships at the city’s Jawaharlal Nehru (JLN) stadium from Sept 26 to Oct 5. For its preparations, the government recently issued a tender on the ‘Government e Marketplace’ (GeM) portal, inviting World Athletics’ (WA)-certified international and Indian flooring and equipment manufacturers for the installation of a ‘prefabricated synthetic athletic track’ at the JLN’s main ground and warm-up area.
This tender has attracted scrutiny due to the explicit mention of the Italian manufacturer ‘Mondo’ in the bid document. This has led to allegations that the government is engaging in monopolistic and restrictive trade practices by favouring Mondo and thereby excluding other potential suppliers of synthetic athletics tracks.
According to the bid document accessed by TOI, “The bidder should submit an authorisation certificate of association with the manufacturer of prefabricated synthetic athletic track (Mondo) in the name of bidder undertaking to supply and supervise the installation of the track, specifically for this project. The product offered should be a World Athletics (formerly known as IAAF) certified prefabricated track system.”
For the replacement of the 400m main arena synthetic track and its certification within the JLN stadium complex, sources said Mondo has presented an estimated cost projection of ₹23,17,75,000 including GST. In contrast, sources alleged that the same project could be completed for around ₹15 crore by other interested suppliers. For the warm-up area as well, the cost submitted to lay the prefabricated synthetic track is around ₹18 crore, whereas the work could be completed between ₹8–10 crore, alleged sources.
Presently, the JLN features a synthetic track which was laid ahead of the Delhi CWG in 2010 by Swiss manufacturer CONICA, in partnership with India’s Shiv Naresh. At a recent meeting between SAI officers and bidders, at least 14 prospective participants voiced their concerns on this issue, alleging favouritism towards Mondo.
Responding to the controversy, SAI said that after a thorough inspection of the current tracks, the Paralympics Committee of India (PCI) recommended Mondo for installation at both sites. According to SAI, “Mondo tracks, developed by Mondo Worldwide, are renowned for their performance-enhancing properties, superior traction, speed optimisation and injury reduction potential. These tracks have been the surface of choice at the Olympics, Paralympics and World Championships, setting a global benchmark for elite athletic performance.”
SAI further clarified that the Central Public Works Department’s (CPWD) estimates showed a cost difference of about 26% between Full PUR and Mondo tracks. The Engineering Wing of SAI received in-principle approval from sports minister Mansukh Mandaviya to proceed with Mondo at JLN stadium.
“Subsequently, a Technical Specification Committee (TSC) was constituted to finalise the scope of work. Following the TSC’s recommendations, tenders for the laying of Mondo tracks at both the main arena and warm-up area, along with associated allied works, were floated on the Central Public Procurement (CPP) portal. A pre-bid meeting was conducted with interested vendors and contractors, during which their suggestions were reviewed and incorporated into the tender process to ensure transparency and responsiveness to industry feedback. Currently, the tendering process for the installation of Mondo tracks at JLN stadium is underway,” the SAI statement added.