Thanks for the inputs. I also was able to get the error using Win32::OLE->LastError() and this is what it shows.

Microsoft Excel cannot access the file 'C:\test.xlsm'. There are sever
+al
possible reasons:

• The file name or path does not exist.
• The file is being used by another program.
• The workbook you are trying to save has the same name as a currently
+ open
workbook.

Win32::OLE(0.1709) error 0x800a03ec
    in METHOD/PROPERTYGET "Open"
[download]

The users on this server have permissions to read and execute files and folders from what I can see on the properties of the file I am trying to read from. I did print out the Env variables like suggested, but apart from the remote_user variable which is set to the currently logged in user ,who does have privileges to read and execute, nothing seems to be of any use. I found this thread which seems to talk about the same issue, but have not found a solution yet. http://www.perlmonks.org/bare/?node_id=477477

Few other sites for the same issue, the user had to change the format of file path, which I have already tried to no avail. Please help.

I also verified if I am able to read the file by opening it using file handle and it opens fine. Also , I have written and read files from this location from my webpage previously. Is it because this is being done via win32::OLE that it is requiring some more authentication? Appreciate any pointers