Naroda Flyover Delay: AMC Rules Questioned Over Work Order Issued Before Site Clearance

Questions have been raised over the process followed by the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) while awarding the work order for the Naroda Patiya-Galaxy Cinema flyover, after the project missed its original completion deadline due to land acquisition issues, inadequate mapping of utility lines and alleged contractor-related delays.

The flyover project was originally scheduled to be completed by July 2026, but has now been granted a one-year extension. The delay has been attributed to issues including land acquisition, inadequate mapping of drainage and water pipelines, and alleged negligence by the contractor.

However, AMC's own rules require complete site clearance, an obstruction-free work front, proper utility mapping and final drawings before a work order is issued. This has raised questions over why the work order was issued before all these requirements were fulfilled.

Road and Building Committee Chairman Dr Jainik Vakil has written to the Deputy Municipal Commissioner overseeing the bridge project, seeking a written explanation on the work-order process, the 556-day delay, the contractor's 185-day delay, and the proposed Rs 50 lakh penalty.

Why Was Work Order Issued Before Final Drawings?

According to AMC policy, a work order for any project should be issued only after complete site clearance, an obstruction-free work front, necessary utility mapping and clear drawings are available.

Dr Jainik Vakil has questioned whether these requirements were fulfilled before the Naroda flyover work order was issued.

He has specifically sought clarification on the basis on which the work order was issued before the final drawings were prepared.

556-Day Delay in GFC and R&B Approvals

The project records reportedly show a total delay of 556 days in obtaining GFC drawings and R&B approvals.

The committee chairman has sought details on whether responsibility for this prolonged delay was fixed and whether written certification supporting the delay was obtained.

He has also sought clarification on the role of the design consultant and whether any penalty or liability was imposed on the consultant under the terms of the tender.

Contractor Blamed for 185-Day Delay, Rs 50 Lakh Penalty Questioned

The project records reportedly attribute 185 days of delay to the contractor.

The committee has questioned why a penalty of only Rs 50 lakh was proposed and under which specific rule or tender condition the amount was determined instead of recovering the applicable liquidated damages (LD) penalty.

The chairman has also sought clarification on whether the contractor would be entitled to a price escalation for the period of delay caused by the contractor and asked officials to provide the relevant tender provision.

Land Clearance Issues Affect Traffic

The prolonged construction work is also affecting daily traffic movement in the Naroda area.

Delays related to land clearance, engineering department work and the contractor's alleged lapses have prolonged the project, adding to traffic congestion around Naroda Patiya and surrounding areas.

Following the explanation sought by the committee chairman, questions are likely to be answered over who was responsible for the project delay and why AMC's own requirements were allegedly not completed before the work order was issued.