BBMP Infrastructure projects: Contractors feel hesitant
The infrastructure projects by Bruhat Bangalore Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) have taken a severe beating as private contractors in the city show reluctance in accepting the contracts floated by the civic authority. With BBMP grappling with lack of funds, contractors fear that it will take years for the authority to clear the bills.
Plans for infrastructure projects in the city by the BBMP have stuck in a limbo, since the civic body has become cash-starved. This has led many to question the accountability of BBMP. BBMP is now finding it difficult to take up the development work in the city because of poor response to its tender bids.
Reason for shunning BBMP
According to market reports, the BBMP is falling short of funds to proceed with developmental projects in Bangalore. The civic body has given its nod to ward-level works valuing Rs 494 crore, however, quite to its dismay the contractors in the city are not bidding for such projects due to payment issues. Such tenders have been floated from October, however there were no takers for the same.
As per market information, the BBMP owes around Rs 1600 crore to the contractors. This has cast a bad image of BBMP among the contractors in the city. Furthermore, contractors have shown no interest in tenders that have been floated for more than 10 times in all zones. Clearance of pending dues is the first demand put up by the contractors to the BBMP officials.
Pending infrastructure work
Lack of funds has led a number of infrastructure works in the city to come to a halt. Such projects include:
Two flyovers– Construction works for two flyovers, one to be constructed at Shivananda Circle and another one Kittoor Rani Channamma Circle, have not initiated since contractors do not feel confident taking up BBMP’s projects. The proposed cost for the flyovers stands at Rs 60 crore.
Potholes– BBMP has taken the initiative to fill up the city’s potholes and Mysore Road is the right place to begin with. However, due to lack of interest of the city contractors, the initiative has not seen the light of the day.
