BDA May Ask UP Firm To Complete Projects

Court blow chastens BDA
Civic Agency May Ask UP Firm To Complete Projects
The Times of India

Bangalore: The Bangalore Development Authority (BDA) is expected to go back to the Uttar Pradesh State Bridge Construction Corporation Ltd (UPSBCCL) for completing the construction of the Airport Road flyover and the Jayadeva grade separator.

This comes a day after the BDA was rapped by the Karantaka High Court for terminating the UPSBCCL contract which was executing the projects. “The government has no other option (but to reengage UPSBCCL) as challenging the high court’s order in the Supreme Court would mean a year’s delay and inconvenience to the public,’’ sources told The Times of India here on Thursday.

On Wednesday, the high court had held the BDA responsible for the delay in completion of the two flyovers. The BDA had contracted the work to UPBCCL in January 2003 with a deadline of April 2004. When UPSBCCL sought more time, the BDA made certain changes in the flyovers design and extended the deadline to June 30, 2005. In mid-February 2005, it terminated the contract, prompting the UPSBCCL to approach the court.

“Changing a contractor is not like changing clothes,’’ the court observed in its order, upholding the UPSBCCL’s appeal. Sources said the BDA might negotiate with UPSBCCL by paying more with a new deadline. “We cannot see the BDA going in for fresh tenders,’’ they added.

Chief minister N. Dharam Singh told reporters said he had referred the issue to the law department. He instructed the BCC to have a time-bound programme for asphalting of roads.

Both flyovers have got into a mess since their inception. Last week, BDA said the remaining work on the Jayadeva flyover will cost Rs 11 crore, Rs 3 crore more than the estimate. The Airport Road project would now cost Rs 26.5 crore, almost as much as the original estimate for the entire project.