KANPUR — In a troubling turn of events, Turkish construction company Gülermak, a key player in Kanpur Metro’s underground development, has reportedly fled the city, leaving behind unpaid dues totaling ₹80 crore. The firm, which was part of a joint venture with Sam India, had employed 53 sublet firms for various sections of the metro’s Corridor One. Contractors claim they have not received payments for almost ten months.
Following multiple attempts to reach the company’s top brass, contractors allege evasive responses, unanswered calls, and a complete lack of transparency. The situation intensified when it emerged that the firm’s top officials had quietly left Kanpur, sparking outrage among affected vendors and construction partners.
Contractors Left in the Lurch, Protest Delayed Payments
Many of the contractors involved have revealed that payment delays began after nationwide protests related to Turkey’s diplomatic stance during the Indo-Pak conflict. While the metro’s parent body, UPMRC, insists it cleared all payments to Gülermak, the Turkish firm allegedly defaulted on its commitments to local contractors.
Nine contractor firms have submitted a formal memorandum to the District Magistrate, detailing individual losses ranging from ₹21.5 lakh to over ₹3 crore. These include payments stuck with companies like Metro Marble, Radiant Services, Shreyans Infratech, and more.
Despite the financial blow, official action from UPMRC has remained tepid. “We’ve tried every official channel for relief, but so far, we’re only receiving silence,” said one contractor, whose company is owed over ₹1 crore.
Public Projects, Private Disasters
The Kanpur Metro project, hailed as a symbol of modern urban mobility, is now facing reputational and operational setbacks. While the stations built under the Gülermak-Sam India joint venture are operational, local firms continue to struggle for reimbursement.
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The episode raises larger concerns over regulatory loopholes in public-private infrastructure projects and highlights the need for robust contractual safeguards. UPMRC has stated that it holds a 5% reserve payment for contractors, typically released after one year. However, it is unclear whether this will now be disbursed directly to the aggrieved vendors.
Joint GM (PR) Panchanan Mishra from UPMRC confirmed the project’s technical completion but admitted the financial deadlock lies beyond their direct control.
Accountability Elusive as Metro Authorities Stay Silent
Repeated attempts by local media to contact Gülermak have gone unanswered. Calls were ignored, emails bounced, and no official clarification has been issued by the company’s India liaison. In the absence of clear communication, questions are mounting over how a foreign firm involved in a government-linked project could exit so swiftly and silently.
Meanwhile, legal experts and civic groups are calling for intervention from both state and central agencies. “This isn’t just about unpaid bills. It’s about the accountability of foreign firms operating on Indian soil using public funds,” said a lawyer advising one of the contractors.
As the legal and bureaucratic machinery crawls into motion, the future of joint infrastructure development between India and overseas firms is under a shadow of mistrust and demands for reform.
