Finally, three bidders for highway widening project

Thiruvananthapuram: The project implementation unit of Kerala Infrastructure Investment Fund Board (KIIFB) has been struggling for months to find a contractor for second phase road widening works of Karamana-Kaliyikkavila

highway

stretch

Now, of the three contractors who came forward to take up the works, Uralungal Labour Contract Co-operative Society Limited (ULCCS) emerged as the lowest bidder. However, all the bidders have quoted excess amount in the tender.

In a curious turn of events, all the three bidders ULCCS, EKK Infrastructure Limited and Sreedhanya Constructions quoted an amount exceeding the original estimate of Rs 97 crore. The ULCCS, which is the lowest bidder, has quoted 15% excess. EKK quoted 25% excess amount while Sreedhanya quoted 46% excess amount. The project involves widening of 5km stretch from Pravachambalam to Vazhimukku.

Though ULCCS emerged as the lowest bidder, it is not clear whether the project will be awarded to them. A committee will have to assess the amount.

Earlier, KIIFB had approved 8% excess amount quoted by Sreedhanya, which later backed out. This was a major setback for the project.

Despite quoting 8% above the estimate, KIIFB had approved the tender of Sreedhanya. However, they backed out citing cost escalation. Following this, the government decided to retender the work without revising the estimate of Rs 97 crore.

Sources in KIIFB said that a tender approval committee headed by PWD secretary will take a final decision on it. “Since the bidder has quoted an excess amount, the committee will take a decision on whether to approve it,” sources said.

Contractors, who participated in the tender, said that it was difficult to work based on the estimate prepared by the PWD due to escalation of prices for materials. The contractors also said that there is shortage of raw materials that would affect the work.

The delay in executing the project had invited protests from residents.