Jisha Surya
Thiruvananthapuram: The work for Thakarapparambu flyover has been hitting roadblocks since it began in 2002, the latest being a halt in shifting of cast iron pipes. According to sources, the work to shift cast iron pipes from the Powerhouse Road has been stalled due to non-payment of funds to the contractor.
The funds must be allotted to Kerala water authority (KWA) by Kerala road fund board (KRFB), facilitator of City road improvement project (Crip). However, KRFB officials said that no request for payment from KWA is pending with the board. KWA’s lackadaisical attitude in arranging funds will prove costly for the project.
Incidentally, the government had issued an order on May 14 to sanction more fund for the work as there were no takers for the tender floated by KWA for the work to replace 375mm cast iron pipe with 400mm ductile iron pipe. The tender was awarded for Rs 90.16 lakh, a tender excess of 76.53%, as there was only a single applicant for the work. In addition to the pipe replacement work in the stretch, laying of distribution pipes for shops at the area also should be done. However, the contractor alleged that almost Rs 1.5 crore for the entire project has not been allotted. Incidentally, the government order was issued allotting excess amount for the work citing that lagging of flyover work results in payment of huge amount as compensation to the concessionaire. Also, ensuing monsoon was cited as the reason for issuing the GO for allotment of tender excess amount.
When contacted, KRFB general manager K Sudharshan said no request for payment by KWA was pending with the KRFB. “We allot amount on KWA’s request. So far we have paid the entire amount,” he said. Meanwhile, a KWA official said that they had sent request for payment and the amount would be allotted soon.
Once the Thakarapparambu flyover is realized, it will ensure smooth flow of traffic through the heart of the city, especially during rallies and protests on MG Road.
Thiruvananthapuram: The work for Thakarapparambu flyover has been hitting roadblocks since it began in 2002, the latest being a halt in shifting of cast iron pipes. According to sources, the work to shift cast iron pipes from the Powerhouse Road has been stalled due to non-payment of funds to the contractor.
The funds must be allotted to Kerala water authority (KWA) by Kerala road fund board (KRFB), facilitator of City road improvement project (Crip). However, KRFB officials said that no request for payment from KWA is pending with the board. KWA’s lackadaisical attitude in arranging funds will prove costly for the project.
Incidentally, the government had issued an order on May 14 to sanction more fund for the work as there were no takers for the tender floated by KWA for the work to replace 375mm cast iron pipe with 400mm ductile iron pipe. The tender was awarded for Rs 90.16 lakh, a tender excess of 76.53%, as there was only a single applicant for the work. In addition to the pipe replacement work in the stretch, laying of distribution pipes for shops at the area also should be done. However, the contractor alleged that almost Rs 1.5 crore for the entire project has not been allotted. Incidentally, the government order was issued allotting excess amount for the work citing that lagging of flyover work results in payment of huge amount as compensation to the concessionaire. Also, ensuing monsoon was cited as the reason for issuing the GO for allotment of tender excess amount.
When contacted, KRFB general manager K Sudharshan said no request for payment by KWA was pending with the KRFB. “We allot amount on KWA’s request. So far we have paid the entire amount,” he said. Meanwhile, a KWA official said that they had sent request for payment and the amount would be allotted soon.
Once the Thakarapparambu flyover is realized, it will ensure smooth flow of traffic through the heart of the city, especially during rallies and protests on MG Road.
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