Clubbed road contracts to draw bigger players

MUMBAI: In a bid to invite bigger players, the BMC for the first time has decided to dole out bigger contracts for the upcoming Rs 980-crore road tenders. Unlike the previous road contracts which were divided into smaller parts, the BMC will club the contracts so that large chunks can be given to bigger players.
This time, the contracts for asphalt and cement concrete roads will be divided into larger chunks.For instance, in the cement concrete work, the contracts would be divided in six parts for the entire city and three for asphalt work. Confirming the development, Aseem Gupta, additional municipal commissioner, said, “The objective is to invite bigger players. The contracts would be of bigger size. This will help in improving the management of road work.”
The decision comes after the standing technical advisory committee (STAC) asked the BMC to increase the size of the contracts to attract bigger and competent players. N V Merani, chairman of STAC, said, “We welcome the move, provided they also go in for institutional strengthening. Theoretically speaking, this system should work if it is implemented in the manner we have suggested.”