Hyderabad: The Charminar Pedestrianisation Project (CPP) has hit another road block. Despite repeated attempts, bidders have not participated in tenders to set up hydraulic bollards.
The Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation intends to set up 200 hydraulic bollards at eight locations around the iconic structure with an estimated cost of Rs 3.5 crore.
The idea of setting up hydraulic bollards is to prevent traffic from entering a 200-metre radius to conserve Charminar.
The corporation is keen to ensure that there is no noise and air pollution within 200 metres of the monument so that tourists have a pleasant experience while watching it.
However, despite twice inviting only a single bidder participated in the auction. The tender cannot be finalised with a single bidder as per norms.
The corporation re-invited tenders and if bidders shy away from the auction, the bid will be finalised to the single bidder, which can be handed over in the third attempt.
About 200 bollards, including 75 hydraulic ones, will be installed on the four streets around Charminar to regulate traffic.
A senior official said GHMC was now focused on maintenance and ensuring sanitation. It is also purchasing two electric autos for garbage collection, six sweeping machines, two washers and litter picking machines.
In addition to these works, Hyderabad Metropolitan Water Supply and Sewerage Board (HMWS&SB) was asked to instal special manhole covers, which will synchronise with granite works taken up in the buffer zone on all four sides.
There are about 65 manholes on the four sides and GHMC and the Metro Water and Sewerage Board and are working in tandem to get the manhole covers designed for the area.
After the buffer zone works, theme lighting will be installed at the historic structure, besides Pattherghatti and Laad Bazaar areas, to draw more crowds.
