Maha PWD proposes one year contract extension for Shivaji Memorial

20 Oct 2021 CW Team

The Maharashtra Public Works Department (PWD) has proposed an extension of one year for the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Memorial project work to L&T without cost escalation.

The government will grant the final extension for the project. The extension was stalled in January 2019, and the contractor carried out only the bathymetry and partial geotechnical survey. Except for these the whole construction work is remaining. The work at the project site has not started, and no payment has been made to the contractor.

The PWD had filed a court case against the project, raised by the Comptroller and Auditor General of India's (CAGs) Accountant General regarding the bidding process and the Covid-19 pandemic. The current contract period ended on 18 October.

From 19th October 2018, the PWD signed a contract with L&T for 36 months. However, on 11th January 2019, the Supreme Court restricted the state government from proceeding with the construction work. A stop-work notice was issued by the PWD to the contractors.

Sources told the media that the Maharashtra Vikas Aghadi (MVA) had approached the project. PWD Minister, Ashok Chavan, said that the project would commence after satisfactory closure of the irregularities in the bidding process that were flagged by the CAG and after addressing the environmental department and safety raised in the court.

The CAG noticed that the previous government's decision of reducing the cost of the project by negotiating with the lowest bidder and changing the scope of the work had degraded the bidding process and restricted transparency in the procedure.

The project of 212 meters high includes a 123.2 metres equestrian statue standing over an 88.8 metres pedestal is a flagship of the Devendra Fadnavis governance. PM Narendra Modi did its jal pujan in 2016, and the estimated cost of the memorial is Rs 3,600 crore.

Image Source

Infrastructure Energy

17 Sep 2025

NARCL Sells Rs 37.63 Billion of Wind World Debt to Omkara ARC

The National Asset Reconstruction Company Limited (NARCL) has successfully sold Rs 37.63 billion of Wind World’s outstanding debt, marking a significant step in managing stressed assets within India’s renewable energy sector. The transaction forms part of wider efforts to resolve non-performing loans and bolster financial stability in the industry.Omkara ARC emerged as the anchor bidder in the deal, demonstrating strong investor interest in renewable energy debt. Anchor bidders play a vital role in ensuring successful debt resolution and attracting participation from other investors in suc..

Madhya Pradesh Targets 50 Per Cent Power From Renewable Sources

Madhya Pradesh is ramping up its green energy generation, aiming for renewable sources to account for 50 per cent of the state’s total power consumption, a senior official has announced.“Renewable energy cannot be ignored. Solar power is now a viable option, and we are committed to significantly enhancing green energy generation in Madhya Pradesh, targeting 50 per cent of total power consumption from renewable sources,” said Manu Srivastava, Additional Chief Secretary of Madhya Pradesh Urja Vikas Nigam, on Friday.Speaking at the inaugural session of the 8th GRIHA Regional Conclave in Bho..

High-Speed Expressway to Cut Ayodhya–Varanasi Travel to Two Hours

Travel between Ayodhya and Varanasi is set to become faster and more convenient, as the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) begins planning a nearly 200-km high-speed access-controlled expressway connecting the two cities. The tender process has been initiated to prepare the Detailed Project Report (DPR) for the project.Former MP Lallu Singh stated, “Upon completion, the distance from Ayodhya to Kashi can be covered in just two hours.” He added, “The expressway will connect to the Purvanchal Expressway, further enhancing connectivity from Ayodhya to Delhi.”The Ministry of Road ..