HUBLI: Work on the first package of the Rs. 30-crore road development project that was stalled almost a year ago has now been resumed following reintroduction of the package.

Superintending Engineer of HDMC L.R. Nayak, who is also in-charge of the project, said the contractor had been asked to complete the asphalting work before the onset of monsoon(end of May).

Under the first package i.e., Hubli(North) 5.71 km of road has to be laid at a cost of Rs. 3.68 crore. The work is going on in full swing and is likely to be completed within the stipulated time.

It might be recalled that the Hubli(North) package initially worth Rs. 8.63 crore was allotted to Chandragiri Constructions of Calicut. It was the first package to be awarded of the total Rs. 30 crore road development project initiated by the Hubli-Dharwad Municipal Corporation.

Although the work began as per schedule, it was temporarily suspended as local elected representatives and public objected to the quality of work. It was after the appointment of a consultant to conduct third party inspection that Chandragiri Constructions was asked to resume the work, which took few months.

However the contractor was very slow in executing the work and consequently the Corporation levied a fine on the company for the slow pace of work. But in spite of that the company failed to speed up its work.

Finally the company expressed its inability to continue the work and the steering committee of HDMC decided to terminate the contract.

Fresh tenders

Although initially the HDMC contemplated awarding the package to another contractor who had carried out the road development at a quicker pace, it finally decided to call fresh tenders. The process itself took several months and the tender process was completed recently.

Mr. Nayak said the tender for the Hubli(North) package had been awarded to Mahalinghashetty and company, which made the lowest bid.

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