The Puducherry Smart City Development Limited (PSCDL) has terminated the contract of a private firm over an inordinate delay in the construction of a mini sports stadium at the erstwhile Anna Thidal in Boulevard.
The work on the stadium that commenced in January 2021 was supposed to be completed in March 2022. The existing shops facing Anna Salai were demolished to construct the facility. The scope of works, included a basement parking, a dormitory, a football ground, 200-metre running track, pétanque court, gymnasium and a children’s play area.
“Even after a delay of 32 months, the contractor had failed to complete the project causing severe hardship to the public and students of various government schools in the vicinity. Since many of the government schools in the Boulevard area did not have a playground, the schoolchildren were using the Anna Thidal. With the PSCDL being at the receiving end of public wrath, the PSCDL Board, which met recently terminated the contract. The body had also asked the Chief Engineer of the Public Works Department to blacklist the contractor,” an official said.
“The PSCDL had directed the contractor to deploy more workers and expedite the project. Despite issuing multiple letters, the contractor was keen on delaying the project and sought approval for a revised estimate. Such an attitude could not be tolerated and hence PSCDL has now handed over the work to NBCC (India) Limited, a Central government undertaking,” the official added.
According to official sources, the initial estimate of ₹9.66 crore had to be revised after several new facilities were proposed in the scope of works and a fresh estimate was prepared for ₹17.58 crore. As many as 179 shops would come up in the stadium.
The revised scope of works also includes flood lighting, landscaping, tennis court, volleyball court and a playground. Around 85% of the work has been completed. Construction of the viewers gallery and the administrative building has already been completed, and the mini stadium is expected to be thrown open to the public by March.
Published - January 21, 2025 08:45 pm IST
