AMC Makes GIS Mapping Mandatory for Infrastructure Project Bill Payments

The Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) has introduced a new rule mandating Geographic Information System (GIS) mapping and documentary proof before payments for infrastructure projects can be processed, triggering concern among contractors and civic agencies over possible delays in clearing bills.

Under a circular issued by the civic body's finance department, contractors executing projects such as water and drainage pipelines, stormwater drains and road works will now have to submit GIS mapping records and supporting documents before their bills can be sent for pre-audit.

GIS documents now compulsory before pre-audit

According to the new guidelines, measurement book entries for capital works will not be accepted unless GIS mapping and documentary evidence are attached. Bills lacking photographs, location data and the required certification will neither be forwarded to the next stage nor cleared by the pre-audit department.

The circular also bars the pre-audit wing from accepting bills that do not comply with the GIS requirements.

Contractors and engineers raise concerns

The move has drawn criticism from contractors, who claim that payments for civic works already take months to be processed. They argue that the additional requirement of submitting GIS mapping, photographs and location-based records will increase both costs and execution time.

Field engineers have also expressed reservations, pointing out that many older and already completed projects do not have digital records, making immediate GIS mapping practically difficult.

Fears of slowdown in development works

Contractors fear that even minor technical or documentation-related discrepancies could lead to bills being held up for months, affecting payments to subcontractors and labourers.

While civic officials maintain that GIS-based documentation is essential for future planning and maintaining accurate project records, contractors contend that the corporation is shifting the burden of administrative shortcomings onto agencies executing the projects.

They have warned that unless the process is simplified and implemented efficiently, development works across Ahmedabad could face significant delays.