The Tiruchi City Corporation (TCC) decides to go for re-tender for the phase-III of underground drainage system in the city.
The civic body had floated tenders for the phase-III in September, 2018. But the international competitive bidding for the ₹321.72 crore project had received only a single bid.
A Kolkata-based company was reported to have quoted ₹60 crore more than the estimated cost of the project. Since it was about 26% more than the estimated cost, the civic body called the company for price negotiation. The matter was also taken to the notice of tender award committee in Chennai. Three sittings were held with the bidder. But, the Kolkata company did not agree do bring down its quote. Hence, the Corporation has decided to float re-tender for the project.
Corporation Commissioner N. Ravichandran told The Hindu that the Asian Development Bank (ADB) would extend 20% financial assistance. Out of ₹321.72 crore, the contribution of ADB was ₹64 crore. As clearance of ADB was essential, the tendering issue has been taken to its notice. Clearance has been sought for floating re-tender for the phase-III of UGD project.
He said that there would be no change in the total estimate. However, similar to the second phase of UGD project, the third phase to be implemented under the Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation could be converted into two packages for quick completion of the project. Clearance was expected any time from ADB. The project will bring wards 37, 39 and 41 fully under the sewer system and wards 31, 35, 36, 38, 40, 42, 43, 45, 52, 53, 60 and 63 will be partially covered. The extension of underground drainage scheme will enable the civic body to bring 32,000 households under the UGD network. Formation of sewage line for 331 km and construction of pumping mains for 21.50 km were part of the phase-III of the project. Pumping stations will come up at Indira Nagar, Lourdu Nagar, Kulavaipatti, Muthukumarasamy Nagar, Panjapur, Arasu Colony and Natchathira Nagar. There will be seven lifting stations.