Hyderabad: Citing a lukewarm response from bidders, the Hyderabad Metropolitan Development Authority (HMDA) has handed over the project of constructing foot overbridges (FOBs) in the city to the GHMC.
The state government had directed the HMDA to build 14 of the proposed 44 FOBs with its own funds and finance GHMC to build the remaining 30. The HMDA had agreed to construct, in the first phase, five FOBs on engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) basis at Chilkalguda crossroads towards Musheerabad, IDPL bus stop, Prashanthnagar; near Allwyn crossroads, Miyapur; near Uppal Ring Road towards Uppal/Ghatkesar; and near Eat Street Parking Lot-II, Necklace Road.
Each FoB was estimated to cost between Rs 1.25 crore and Rs crore. But the HMDA said private agencies had not come forward to take up the work. The reason is said to be the tough conditions laid down by the HMDA.
A GHMC official said that it was initially proposed to share the construction of FOBs between the two departments. During review meetings later, GHMC officials told minister K.T. Rama Rao that due to paucity of funds they are not in a position to construct the FOB.
The corporation wanted the entire project to be given to HMDA, which has adequate funds. He said 14 out of 44 were to be built by the HMDA which sent back the proposal on Monday.
