The cost of the Hatkeswar bridge project has now doubled than the initial estimate. According to the Amdavad Municipal Corporation (AMC), the cost of the new bridge is now estimated at ₹113 crore. Whereas, the bridge was originally built by contractor Ajay Infacon at a cost of ₹40 crore in 2017.
The cost of demolishing the existing Hatkeswar Bridge and constructing a new one is now expected to exceed ₹113 crore.
The municipality had earlier set a base price of ₹52 crore in the tender for demolishing the old bridge and building a new one.
Following, a company listed under the name of Vishnuprasad Pungaliya, based in Rajasthan, submitted the tender. The total cost of demolishing the current bridge and constructing the new one will exceed ₹113 crore, according to the tender.
This also includes a ten-year defect liability period for the newly constructed bridge, as well as other improvements such as bank deposits and condition upgrades.
Efforts are still being made to negotiate with the contractor regarding these increased costs, according to reports.
Initially, a tender was issued for repairs to the existing bridge, but no contractors showed interest. After which a third tender was issued to build a new bridge at an estimated cost of ₹53 crore, but again, no contractors responded. Finally, after the fourth tender was issued, contractor Pungaliya submitted a bid.
Opposition leaders have alleged that the cost of demolishing the existing bridge and constructing a new one could reach ₹118 crore. However, no final decision has been made, and officials continue to struggle with the matter.
When contacted, the officer responsible for the bridge project at the AMC explained that since the Hatkeswar Bridge was originally built in accordance with the SOR (Standard Operating Rates) of 2013-14, the base price of ₹52 crore was set. Additionally, the corporation has now amended the terms to include a ten-year defect liability period, as well as a bank deposit requirement.
The contractor is also required to pay for materials such as steel, cement, and concrete at current market prices.
Issue-ridden Hatkeshwar Bridge
Completion: The construction of the bridge was completed in November 2017. The defect liability period was set to expire in November 2018.
Opening and issues: The bridge opened to traffic in 2017. Less than four years later, on April 5, 2021, the bridge experienced its first deck slab settlement, which was repaired using micro-concrete.
Repeated settlements: In 2021 and 2022, there were four more instances of deck settlement in the mandatory span, each repaired with micro-concrete and additional steel, as recommended by a local consultant.
Bridge closure: On August 19, 2022, the bridge was closed for safety reasons after an inspection revealed further settlement in the second box of the bridge.
Inspection of experts: On February 5, 2023, an expert from IIT Roorkee visited the bridge site. The report following the inspection stated that the quality of the concrete used in the bridge was poor.
After which it was then decided to reconstruct the bridge altogether after demolishing the existing one.