Competitive bidding process skipped for certain bypasses in Ahmedabad
ROADS & HIGHWAYS

Competitive bidding process skipped for certain bypasses in Ahmedabad

Another problem has emerged while the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) hesitates to take legal action against the contractor for the questionable building of the Hatkeshwar Flyover. At a number of public projects approved in the city in recent years, most recently at the Vaishnodevi Underpass on SG Highway, a practise of avoiding the mandatory competitive bidding procedure by proposing underpasses in multi-crore flyover constructions has evolved.

The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) and the state department of roads and buildings worked together to construct numerous flyovers on the SG Road in 2017-18. The need for underpasses was initially not mentioned in the detailed project reports (DPR) for the four flyover construction packages. However, two years later, while the flyover construction at Vaishnodevi Crossroads was still ongoing, budgets to build four underpasses worth Rs 730 million were approved by skipping the required bidding process. While building these underpasses, the mandatory bidding process was skipped.

Ashish Infracon Pvt. Ltd. won the initial bid for the Vaishnodevi Flyover project for Rs 1.63 billion. But, during the following two years of development, the same contractor was given the go-ahead to build two significant and two small underpasses, totaling Rs 730 million, close to the flyover.

Four packages were part of the NHAI and R&B partnership on SG Road. Four building packages were released in 2017-18; the first package cost Rs 1.26 billion, the second Rs 1.63 billion, the third Rs 2.49 billion, and the fourth Rs 1.13 billion. Vaishnodevi Flyover tenders were released in 2018 as part of package 2. An underpass construction requirement was not mentioned in the traffic analysis that was part of the detailed DPR for this overpass. About two years into the development process, the R&B department proposed two main and two small underpasses beneath Vaishnodevi Flyover.

“The cost of Vaishnodevi Underpass was Rs 340 million. Another underpass towards Khodiyar Shantigram was awarded for Rs 248 million that were to be borne by the contractor. Two more small underpasses to divert traffic worth Rs 57.7 million and Rs 114.5 million were sanctioned later,” said a senior AMC official.

Another problem has emerged while the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) hesitates to take legal action against the contractor for the questionable building of the Hatkeshwar Flyover. At a number of public projects approved in the city in recent years, most recently at the Vaishnodevi Underpass on SG Highway, a practise of avoiding the mandatory competitive bidding procedure by proposing underpasses in multi-crore flyover constructions has evolved. The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) and the state department of roads and buildings worked together to construct numerous flyovers on the SG Road in 2017-18. The need for underpasses was initially not mentioned in the detailed project reports (DPR) for the four flyover construction packages. However, two years later, while the flyover construction at Vaishnodevi Crossroads was still ongoing, budgets to build four underpasses worth Rs 730 million were approved by skipping the required bidding process. While building these underpasses, the mandatory bidding process was skipped. Ashish Infracon Pvt. Ltd. won the initial bid for the Vaishnodevi Flyover project for Rs 1.63 billion. But, during the following two years of development, the same contractor was given the go-ahead to build two significant and two small underpasses, totaling Rs 730 million, close to the flyover. Four packages were part of the NHAI and R&B partnership on SG Road. Four building packages were released in 2017-18; the first package cost Rs 1.26 billion, the second Rs 1.63 billion, the third Rs 2.49 billion, and the fourth Rs 1.13 billion. Vaishnodevi Flyover tenders were released in 2018 as part of package 2. An underpass construction requirement was not mentioned in the traffic analysis that was part of the detailed DPR for this overpass. About two years into the development process, the R&B department proposed two main and two small underpasses beneath Vaishnodevi Flyover. “The cost of Vaishnodevi Underpass was Rs 340 million. Another underpass towards Khodiyar Shantigram was awarded for Rs 248 million that were to be borne by the contractor. Two more small underpasses to divert traffic worth Rs 57.7 million and Rs 114.5 million were sanctioned later,” said a senior AMC official.

Next Story
Infrastructure Urban

Indian Delegation Visits South Africa for Trade and Investment Talks

A nine-member Indian delegation participated in the second session of the India-South Africa Joint Working Group on Trade and Investment (JWGTI) held in Pretoria from 22 to 23 April 2025. Discussions were conducted in a cordial atmosphere, focusing on expanding trade ties, boosting investments, and fostering greater people-to-people exchanges. The meeting was co-chaired by Malose Letsoalo, Chief Director, Bilateral Trade Relations, Department of Trade, Industry and Competition of South Africa, and Priya Nair, Economic Adviser, Department of Commerce, India. Delegates from the High Commission ..

Next Story
Infrastructure Urban

Ministry of Cooperation Inaugurates NCOL Organic Packaging Facility

The Ministry of Cooperation inaugurated a new state-of-the-art packaging facility of National Cooperative Organics Limited (NCOL) in Noida, Uttar Pradesh. The centre is dedicated to packaging pulses and organic products while maintaining high hygiene and quality standards. Dr Ashish Kumar Bhutani, Secretary, Ministry of Cooperation, called the facility a major milestone in promoting the Bharat Organics brand. The initiative aims to empower farmers and expand access to certified organic produce across India, while offering premium prices to farmers and affordable organic food to consumers. Un..

Next Story
Infrastructure Urban

Adani Airport Seeks $750 Million Loan from Global Banks

Adani Group is in discussions for an offshore loan of up to $750 million for its airport arm, Adani Airport Holdings Limited, with international banks such as Barclays Plc, First Abu Dhabi Bank PJSC, and Standard Chartered Bank Plc. The funds will support capital expenditure and repay dollar-denominated debt maturing in September. The deal is expected to conclude by early May. Adani Airport Holdings Limited operates seven major airports across India and is preparing to open a new international hub worth $two billion on the outskirts of Mumbai. This would be the Group’s second significant o..

Advertisement

Advertisement

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Get daily newsletters around different themes from Construction world.

STAY CONNECTED

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Talk to us?