Mumbai: BMC’s road tenders see low bids once again

BMC workers repair a pothole at Juhu last year. File pic/Satej Shinde

Bidders of the BMC's fresh tenders for repair and reconstruction of roads are once again willing to work with a price lower than the estimated cost. It had scrapped previous tenders and floated new ones. The civic body, which was earlier sceptical of awarding tenders suspecting low quality work, is yet to take a decision on the new bids that remain low.

Last time, the bids were about 30-35 per cent lower than the BMC's estimated cost, however, the difference has reduced to about 15-20 per cent. The contractors have bid low despite the fact that the BMC has decided to hold 20 per cent of their finalised payment for five to 10 years post the completion of work.

BMC might go ahead with new bids

However, sources said the BMC might go ahead with the new bids, as elections are nearing, and not starting works before code of conduct kicks in would likely be an issue for the electoral candidates and sitting corporators. A civic official said, "We have received a good response from the contractors and the bids are not as low as last time. We are yet to decide on the tenders."

Meanwhile, MNS has cried foul over the Rs 560-crore tender issued by the BMC for filling trenches on the roads. Sandeep Deshpande has alleged that the conditions in the tender were made contractor friendly. Last year, the tender received bids below the estimated price and were awarded to 52 contractors.However, this time around, it received bids at 8-10 per cent above the estimated cost and only 32 contractors have shown interest, he said. He alleged that a cartel of contractors is ruling the civic body.

"The contractors are busy looting the civic body. Earlier, they were giving substandard quality work, now they are operating in a cartel to ensure that more money is looted from the BMC," Deshpande alleged.

20%
Maximum bidders have gone below est. cost this time