Standing Panel To Probe Underbids In Cement Rd Works The Nagpur Municipal Corporation’s standing committee has directed a thorough investigation into cement concrete (CC) road projects awarded at 30% to 40% below the estimated cost. The decision came after heated discussions over two proposals where contractors had quoted nearly 40% less than the projected expenses. Standing committee chairperson Shivani Dani Wakhare mandated the public works department to submit a detailed report covering the last three financial years, specifically asking how many work orders were awarded to contractors who submitted bids 30% to 40% below the estimated cost. Congress corporators Wasim Khan and Abhijeet Jha raised concerns about the feasibility of ensuring quality construction at such drastically reduced rates. Dani Wakhare also sought information on whether projects faced delays due to contractors struggling to execute work at lower rates and whether additional bills were submitted later to recover losses. A third-party audit of all works awarded at steeply reduced rates was ordered, with officials instructed to identify cases of substandard work and take strict action, including blacklisting contractors and holding officials accountable for irregularities. The issue gained attention after corporator Aslam Khan alleged that a contractor working on a 800-meter road in Ekta Nagar stalled the project after completing 75% of the work, citing fund shortages. The road, awarded at Rs50 lakh, now requires an additional Rs25 lakh to finish, including interlocking blocks on the footpath. Dani Wakhare directed a probe into this case.#nagpur_municipal_corporation #wasim_khan #shivani_dani_wakhare #abhijeet_jha #aslam_khan
