NMC Tenders Spark Concern Over Infrastructure Quality Amid Low Bids Nagpur: The Nagpur Municipal Corporation's (NMC) public works department has proposed approving tenders quoted at significantly lower-than-estimated rates, raising alarms about potential compromises to construction standards. Two key proposals—bids 38.90% and 37.18% below the base cost—have been forwarded to the standing committee for review. These proposals are set to be discussed at the committee meeting scheduled for Wednesday. Of the six proposals submitted by the public works department (PWD), three relate to administrative approvals, one involves inviting tenders, and two pertain to cement road works. Civic officials noted that intense competition among contractors has driven them to aggressively underbid, resulting in rates far below the sanctioned project costs. This trend has sparked concerns about the quality of infrastructure projects, as the department itself is approving these low bids. Officials emphasized that while the tendering process remains transparent, the unusually low quotes have triggered broader debates about whether project estimates are inflated or if contractors are undercutting costs to secure work orders. This is not the first time such low bids have raised eyebrows. In previous instances, several civic works were awarded at sharply discounted rates, prompting scrutiny over cost assessments and contractor practices. For example, a tender for I-block installation saw a bid 41.62% below the estimated cost. The project, initially valued at Rs28.99 lakh, was awarded to a bidder quoting Rs16.92 lakh. With 28 bidders participating, most quoted 30–40% below estimates, signaling a growing "race to the bottom.#times_of_india #nagpur_municipal_corporation #nmc #public_works_department #sanjay_mahakalkar
