Kharicut re-development: Opposition alleges scandal in revamp project

The redevelopment of the Kharicut canal in Ahmedabad (East) involves five packages costing a total of ₹1,250 crore, with separate work orders issued to various agencies.

Allegations of corruption worth ₹240 crore have surfaced due to violations of tender conditions and changes in design, as per leader of the opposition – Shehzad Khan Pathan.

As per the allegations, package 1 and 4 contractor RKC Infrastructure Ltd constructed an RCC diaphragm wall instead of RCC boxes.

Despite this, the Amdavad Municipal Corporation (AMC) also paid ₹99 crore to the contractor.

In November 2022, the standing committee’s meeting approved the agenda after the concerns raised by the leaders of the opposition about the work of 1,250 crore for the development of the Kharicut canal.

According to the allegation of the leaders of the opposition, as per the tender conditions, it was decided to put two precast RCC boxes of size 2.60 metres for canal water and cast in situ stormwater boxes of 6 metres for rainwater in each package.

The contractor of package 1 and 4, RKC Infrastructure Ltd has reportedly tried to cover some parts of package 4 by putting some precast RCC boxes and making only diaphragm walls and covering them with RCC slabs.

Moreover, the contractor of packages 2 and 3 of Rail Vikas Nigam has also not used RCC boxes and made diaphragm walls, according to reports. The contractor of package 5, Kalthia Engineering and Construction, is reportedly working only by constructing a retaining wall. 

The opposition has demanded a judicial investigation of the corruption in the work of Kharicut Canal development.

However, standing committee Chairperson Devang Dani said that there was no corruption in the work of the Kharicut canal.

Additional City Engineer Vijay Patel of the water resources management department said that work is underway as per the terms of the tender. 

Which contractor has packages?

Also read:

Ahmedabad’s Hatkeshwar bridge to only be partially demolished: AMC