VIJAYAWADA: AP to call for bids through e-procurement for execution of balance works of Polavaram irrigation project and also 960 mw capacity hydroelectric project in a day or two.
The water resources authorities and AP Genco are working out details to invite tenders to take up works for both irrigation and power projects.
Accordingly, a tender notice will be issued either on August 16 or on August 17.
The Polavaram work to be notified for execution include the construction of cofferdam, earth-cum-rock-fill dam, spillway and other components.
The authorities will fix the basic rate for the bid for execution of Polavaram project at 2015-16 price level.
In addition it will be 14 percent less of the agreement rate with the previous contract agency, Navayuga. The authorities have already served notice to Navayuga for pre-closure of the agreement and the exercise has been completed.
The water resources authorities say that through e-procurement any agency with requisite technical experience and exposure in related works can bid.
Once the bid is finalised and awarded to the successful bidder, its agency is supposed to complete the execution of the project in two years from the date of award of contract.
Similarly, for 960 mw capacity hydro-electric power project, the agencies are to be invited for its execution and sources say that once the bid is finalised and contract awarded, the agency is supposed to complete its execution in 58 months.
Polavaram project chief engineer D. Sudhakar Babu said, “We are going to issue a tender notice for execution of the remaining work of Polavaram irrigation project and also 960 mw capacity hydro-electric power project together in a day or two as arrangements are being made accordingly.”
It may be mentioned that Polavaram Project Authority had advised the YSRC government in its recent meeting not to go for reverse tendering of the Polavaram project as it would result in delay in execution of project and also escalate the cost. Former chief minister N. Chandrababu Naidu has been opposing the state government’s move ever since it announced the closure of the existing contract agreement with Navayuga alleging financial irregularities. The YSRC government’s intention to call for fresh bids was opposed by Mr Naidu who stated that it might result in legal complications and delay the project for a long time. However, the state government rebuffed his contention and vowed to fix a new agency and complete the project in two years.
