AMC Set to Consider ₹7.97 Crore Bid for Naranpura Garden Despite ₹6.51 Crore Estimate

The Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation’s (AMC) proposed redevelopment of Maharshi Arvind Ghosh Garden in Naranpura has raised questions over its tendering process, with officials preparing to seek approval for a single bid of ₹7.97 crore against a revised estimate of ₹6.51 crore.

The project falls under AMC’s West Zone. Despite the presence of several contractors in the Garden Department, only one agency submitted a bid when the tender was floated for the second time. The proposal to award the contract to Nilkanth Landscape Associates is expected to be placed before the upcoming Recreation Committee meeting.

The tender was first floated towards the end of 2025, but no agency showed interest. In the second round, Nilkanth Landscape Associates emerged as the sole bidder.

Initial estimate stood at ₹11.88 crore

The original tender covered civil and electrical works, landscaping, and three years of operation and maintenance. The initial estimated cost was ₹11.88 crore. However, the sole bidder quoted 24.5% above the estimate, taking the bid amount to ₹14.80 crore.

Two rounds of negotiations were subsequently held with the agency. However, the quoted amount was reduced by only 1.95%, according to the details provided.

Civil works cut from ₹5.10 crore to ₹1.73 crore

During the tender review, the civic administration reconsidered the allocation for civil works, which had initially been estimated at ₹5.10 crore. The Municipal Commissioner reportedly directed officials to reduce civil works and give greater priority to greenery and landscaping.

Following the revision, the allocation for civil works was reduced to ₹1.73 crore—a cut of ₹3.37 crore. Meanwhile, the estimated cost of landscaping increased marginally from ₹3.40 crore to ₹3.45 crore.

After changes to the scope and cost estimates, the revised project estimate was brought down to ₹6.51 crore.

Bid remains 22.5% above revised estimate

Against the revised estimate of ₹6.51 crore, the sole bidder quoted ₹7.97 crore, which is 22.5% higher.

The proposal to accept the bid is now expected to be placed before the Recreation Committee. The case raises questions about whether the civic body should seek fresh bids to encourage greater competition, particularly after the first tender attracted no bidders and the second received only one.

Decision rests with Recreation Committee

The project includes civil and electrical works, landscaping, and three years of operation and maintenance. The Recreation Committee is expected to consider the proposal, including the single-bid situation and the price quoted against the revised estimate.

The final decision on awarding the redevelopment contract will be taken after the proposal is considered by the committee.