JUDGMENT

Vibhu Bakhru, J. (Oral)--The petitioner (hereinafter `NHAI) has filed the present petition under Section 34 of the Arbitration and Conciliation Act, 1996 (hereinafter the `A&C Act'), inter alia, impugning the Arbitral Award dated 12.12.2020 (hereinafter the `impugned award') passed by the Arbitral Tribunal comprising of a Sole Arbitrator.

2. The impugned award was rendered in respect of disputes that had arisen between the parties in relation to an agreement dated 30.07.2016 (hereinafter the `Contract Agreement') entered into between the parties for "Collection of user fee of Vemapadu Fee Plaza at Km. 795.498 for Ankaapalli to Tuni Section from Km. 358.00 to Km. 272.00 (New Chainage from Km. 830.525 to Km. 741.255) of NH-5 in the State of Andhra Pradesh" (hereinafter the `project').

3. On 17.06.2016, NHAI invited tenders by issuing a Request for Proposal (RFP) in respect of work relating to collection of User Fee at Vempadu Toll Plaza located at Km. 795.498 on the stretch extending from Km. 830.525 to Km. 741.255 on National Highway No.5 (now renamed as National Highway No.16) in the State of Andhra Pradesh.

4. On 21.07.2016, the respondent submitted the financial