Nearly four months after Vadodara’s iconic Mandvi Gate began showing structural damage due to “column crushing,” the tender for its repair is yet to be issued. The recently formed Heritage Cell of the Vadodara Municipal Corporation (VMC) is still waiting for officers to be appointed to key posts, delaying the process.
According to a media report, VMC a consultant had already prepared the tender proposal after public outrage over the gate’s deteriorating condition. But since the project was transferred to the Heritage Cell—lacking an Additional Assistant Engineer and a Deputy Engineer—the file cannot move through the required approval stages.
The delay comes amid heightened caution in civic departments following a fire department procurement scam that led to suspensions of senior officials. “The Municipal Commissioner must appoint in-charge officers for the Heritage Cell so the tender process can proceed,” an official said.
Heritage Cell Head and Executive Engineer Rajendra Vasava said the repair cost is estimated at ₹2.9 crore, and temporary supports have been installed to prevent further damage. “The restoration will follow the original design and be executed by expert conservationists. The tender will be issued in a few days,” he said.
Municipal Commissioner Arun Mahesh Babu confirmed the gate’s restoration is a VMC priority. Plans also include forming a Heritage Conservation Committee, a heritage walk from Mandvi Gate to Sursagar Lake, and tourist-friendly features like QR codes and audio guides.
In May, stakeholders, including Vadodara MP Hemang Joshi, had also suggested declaring the Mandvi Gate area a silent zone to reduce traffic-related damage.