He said since the promoters of the firm had a criminal background, the company was automatically ineligible for selection.

In a written reply, Transport Minister Sudin Dhavalikar said: 'At the time of submission of the tender, Rushang Shah, son of Nitin Shah had already substituted his father as director in Shimnit Ustch India Pvt Ltd. However, this fact was not disclosed at the time of submission of the bid.'

'Therefore, it is not correct to state that any of the firm's directors had any criminal background at the time when the bid was submitted,' Dhavalikar said.