The Times of India 23.04.2013
Harinagar flyover back on VMC agenda
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.
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.
