RAJ KUMAR
Ranchi, March 26: None of the contractors across the country showed interest in the construction of a foot over bridge (FOB) equipped with an escalator and elevator in Jharkhand capital.
This was reflected after four tenders that were floated inviting bidders to participate in the bidding process for the work involving in tunes of crore remained un-responded. Now the Jharkhand Urban Infrastructure Development Company (JUIDCO), the arm of the state urban development department overseeing the construction of the project, is contemplating assigning the work on a nomination basis.
As many as eight FOBs are proposed in the Jharkhand capital. The places include Ratu Road Chowk, Birsa Chowk, Harmu Chowk, near Big Bazar, Roshpa Tower, Albert Ekka Chowk, Kishoreganj Chowk and Nucleus Mall. Its requirement was felt due to heavy traffic pressure in the area. The average cost involved in the construction of each FOB is Rs 2.5 crore.
JUIDCO managing director Vinay Kumar Choubey could not be contacted for his comment on the matter, but the insider confirmed the situation saying there is no way out.
“FOBs are required but nobody is responding. In this situation the only way to assign the work to someone on a nomination basis,” the insider said.
Asked about expected poor responses, people cited different reasons.
“The work requires technical expertise and local bidders lack that expertise. The rate for experts from other parts of the country is too low to attract their attention,” a JUIDCO official said.
Contractors, however, cited different reasons.
“Work culture of JUIDCO is not up to mark. Officials from different government departments have assembled here and they are not prompt in payment after completion of work. Apart from this, the government is not strong enough to help the contractors in case of any land dispute during work. This is the reason the JUIDCO wants to assign the work to someone from Assam and West Bengal on a nomination basis,” a contractor said.
The fourth date for the opening of the tender was February 28. In the first phase, two foot-over-bridges are to be constructed but as no one turned up to take up the work hurdle has been created on all projects.
