VADODARA: The flyover over
the Harinagar crossroads in Gotri that had generated a major debate in
the city is back in the scheme of things of Vadodara municipal corporation
(VMC). The civic body’s administration has placed a fresh proposal
regarding the flyover as the previous contractor had sought to be
relieved because there were no developments on the project.

The
Harinagar flyover has been a bone of contention as many in the area
have been objecting to it. Independent surveys were also done to prove
that it was not needed at the spot and suggested that other measures
should be adopted. Besides the objections, the delay in shifting
overhead high tension power lines and underground service lines led to a
delay in the commencement of the project.

According to a note
put up before the VMC standing committee, contractor Ranjit Buildcon,
which had bagged the contract and got a work order for the flyover in
July 2011, had eventually sought to be relieved from the work and the
tender scrutiny committee of the civic body allowed this in July 2012.
In September 2012, the contractor had sought a compensation of Rs 7.62
crore as per the conditions in the tender. But the civic body’s legal
department and a consultant gave opinions against this. The contractor
then sought an arbitrator to settle the issue.

The contractor
has, however, subsequently agreed to work on the project at rates
decided earlier. The administration has suggested in the note to the
standing committee that if the contractor was allowed to do so, the
civic body could tide over price escalations as fresh bids would be on
higher estimates due the price rise. Also, the issue of compensation to
Ranjit Buildcon could be resolved if the same company was awarded work.

The administration has also suggested that alternatively fresh bids could be invited for the project.