New PMO project estimated cost goes up, scope of work enhanced

Increased scope of work, including additional information and communication technologies (ICT) components, led to the Central Public Works Department (CPWD) cancelling its earlier tender for the construction of an Executive Enclave and re-tendering it this week, officials aware of the development said.
The CPWD had called for bids for the project, which comprises the new Prime Minister’s Office, a conference facility called India House and offices of the Cabinet Secretariat and the National Security Council Secretariat, in November 2021. After narrowing down potential bidders through pre-qualification, the CPWD got the lowest bid of ₹1,119.56 crore from Ahluwalia Contracts India Ltd. in March, lower than its estimated cost of ₹1,160.17 crore.

However, instead of awarding the contract, the construction agency on Tuesday began the process of re-tendering by calling for pre-qualification bids again. The project’s estimated cost for construction and five-year maintenance contract went up to ₹1,316 crore and potential bidders had till June 8 to apply, according to the bid document.