Widespread allegations of irregularities and corruption have been raised against Indian contractor Transrail Lighting Limited and its Bangladesh Country Director, Amrik Singh, in connection with the construction of power transmission lines associated with the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant. The information was disclosed in a complaint filed with the authorities.

On Monday (August 10), a man named Lal Mia submitted the complaint to the headquarters of the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) in Dhaka. He also submitted complaints to the Prime Minister, the Minister of the Ministry of Power, Energy and Mineral Resources, the Power Division, and the Secretary of the Ministry of Power, Energy and Mineral Resources.

According to the complaint, Transrail Lighting Limited has allegedly caused substantial financial losses to the project through various irregularities since the beginning of the work. At the same time, affected landowners and tree owners were allegedly deprived of their rightful compensation.

The complainant alleged that the company obtained the project during the tenure of the Awami League government through political influence and commissions. It was also alleged that officials of the company maintained close contacts with several influential figures of the then government. However, these allegations could not be independently verified.

The complaint further alleged that the irregularities were not limited to construction work. The company has also been accused of evading a substantial amount of taxes, allegedly depriving the government of significant revenue.

Questions Over Compensation for Tree Cutting

One of the major complaints from people affected by the project concerns compensation for trees cut down for the construction of power transmission lines along an approximately 82.5-kilometre stretch from Tangail to Dhamrai.

Lal Mia stated in his complaint that approximately Tk 300,000 per kilometre was supposed to be allocated as compensation for tree cutting. However, many landowners and tree owners allegedly received no compensation.

They alleged that although they were assured that compensation would be paid, the commitments were ultimately not fulfilled.

The complaint alleges that Transrail Lighting Limited misappropriated crores of taka belonging to hundreds of people, including Fulchan, Md Nabi, Suma Akter, Md Nabi and Aduri. There are also allegations that landowners were not properly compensated during land acquisition and that irregularities occurred in the funds allocated for this purpose.

Allegations Concerning the Quality of Tower Construction

According to the complaint submitted to the ACC, local residents have also raised questions about the technical quality of the power transmission towers.

They alleged that although piling of approximately 20 feet in depth was required for installing the towers, in many cases the piling did not exceed 10 to 12 feet.

There are also allegations that less construction material was used than required. Local residents claimed that in some locations, around 200 bags of cement were supposed to be used, but only approximately 40 to 50 bags were actually used.

They also alleged that low-quality reinforcement rods were used.

However, allegations regarding piling depth, the quantity of cement and reinforcement rods, and other technical specifications need to be verified against the project’s approved designs, Bill of Quantities (BoQ), and engineering tests.

Local residents fear that failure to maintain the required technical standards could put the safety and reliability of the power transmission system at risk in the future.

Allegations of Political Influence

The complaint states that, as the project was government-funded, trees were allegedly cut in many areas by exerting influence or using intimidation. The affected people claimed that although they were promised compensation, the commitments were not fulfilled.

They also said that because the Indian company was awarded the project during the Awami League government, they had little hope of receiving any remedy even after raising complaints at the time.

According to the complaint, project-related sources claimed that after the political change in 2024, officials of Transrail Lighting left the project area and went to India.

There are also allegations concerning the departure of Amrik Singh, the company’s Bangladesh Country Director, from Bangladesh and his alleged contacts with several ministers of the then Awami League government. These allegations also require independent verification.

Allegation of Failure to Complete the Work on Time

Transrail Lighting Limited has also been accused of failing to complete the project within the stipulated timeframe.

The transmission infrastructure is crucial for connecting electricity generated by the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant to the national grid. According to the original schedule, the first unit of Rooppur was supposed to begin generating electricity in 2023, while the second unit was scheduled to start generation in 2024.

As part of the transmission infrastructure, the project reportedly included a contract worth $524 million with Indian company Transrail Lighting for the construction of an approximately 2-kilometre single-circuit 400 kV line over the Padma River, as well as an approximately 7-kilometre double-circuit 400 kV line and a 7-kilometre 230 kV line over the Jamuna River.

According to people involved with the project, completing the grid transmission lines is now extremely important for connecting electricity from Rooppur to the national grid.

Therefore, they said, the quality of the contractor’s work, compliance with deadlines and fulfilment of contractual obligations should be thoroughly reviewed.

Local sources said construction work on the Tangail-Dhamrai section is being implemented through a subcontract by a company called FR Engineering.

Local residents have also raised allegations of substandard work, irregularities and corruption against Farid, the proprietor of the company.

Several attempts were made to contact Farid by phone for his comments on the allegations, but it was not possible to speak with him.

However, a person identifying himself as Zakir claimed over the phone that the work concerned was being implemented by their company, FR Engineering.

The same person variously identified himself as the younger brother of the editor of Amar Barta newspaper, its publisher, and the publisher’s brother. He also claimed to be the nephew of a member of parliament and allegedly threatened the reporter against publishing the news.

His identity, however, could not be independently verified.

Call for an Impartial Investigation

Local victims and people concerned with the project alleged that irregularities have occurred in multiple areas, including compensation for trees and land, the quality of construction work, project financial management, tax payments and compliance with the project timeline.

They called for the formation of an independent and impartial investigation committee to verify the allegations.

They also demanded that if evidence of irregularities or corruption is found, legal action should be taken against the individuals and organisations responsible, while ensuring that affected people receive their rightful compensation.

What the ACC Said

ACC officials said that because the allegations are serious, the issues will be examined.

They said project documents, contracts, fund disbursements and expenditure records, compensation payments, and the quality of construction work will be reviewed. If evidence of irregularities is found, legal action will be taken against those responsible in accordance with the law.

Statement from Transrail Lighting

The views of Transrail Lighting Limited and its Bangladesh Country Director, Amrik Singh, regarding the allegations could not be obtained.

Their statements will be incorporated into this report if and when they become available.