Ahmedabad Civic Body Plans ₹3.25 Crore Road Work Through Single Tender in Gota Ward

The Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) has proposed awarding road and paver block work worth ₹3.25 crore in Gota ward through a single tender, raising questions over contractor selection and the use of public funds.

The proposal, covering areas including Science City, Vasantnagar, Sola village, Oganaj village, Chanakyapuri and Satadhar, has been placed before the AMC's Road and Building Committee. Sangam Engineers and Contractors has been proposed for the work.

Two Tenders Failed to Attract Contractors

The civic body has cited a lack of response to two rounds of tendering to justify awarding the work through a single tender. The original estimated cost of the project is ₹3.30 crore, while the proposed contract value is ₹3.25 crore.

The development has renewed concerns over the dominance of a select group of contractors in civic projects and whether the tendering process ensures adequate competition.

Questions Over Single-Tender Process

Single-tender awards are generally permitted under specific circumstances, including urgent works, subject to applicable rules and procedures. The use of this route for the proposed road and paver block project has raised questions about the circumstances that led to the decision.

Critics have alleged that the AMC's tendering process sometimes fails to encourage healthy competition, allowing contracts to be awarded without sufficient participation from competing bidders.

There have also been complaints that contractor selection for road and infrastructure projects appears to be arranged in advance. However, these allegations would require independent verification.

The proposed award comes amid continuing scrutiny of the AMC's handling of road construction and other infrastructure projects. The key issue is whether the civic body can demonstrate that its procurement decisions deliver value for taxpayers while maintaining transparency and fair competition.