Thiruvananthapuram: The proposed rejuvenation of Akkulam Lake and the renovation of Kovalam Beach have run into fresh uncertainty, with the newly elected state govt unlikely to approve bids quoted at nearly double the estimated project cost, casting doubts over the future of two key tourism infrastructure projects in the capital.According to sources, WAPCOS Ltd, the central public sector undertaking under the Union ministry of jal shakti serving as the implementing agency, submitted the tender evaluation reports to the Kerala Infrastructure Investment Fund Board (KIIFB) in May after opening the financial bids in the first week of last month. However, the two firms selected through the tender process have reportedly quoted amounts nearly 100% higher than the approved estimates.The Akkulam Lake rejuvenation project was estimated at Rs 3.5 crore, while the temporary renovation and infrastructure upgrade works at Kovalam Beach were estimated at Rs 7.75 crore. Sources in the know said the new govt is unlikely to sanction project costs double these estimates, especially at a time when it is examining measures to restructure KIIFB and rationalise expenditure.“The bids received are substantially above the sanctioned estimates. The matter has been forwarded to KIIFB for further consideration. Any decision regarding revision of estimates or fresh tenders will have to be taken by the govt,” a senior WAPCOS official said.The latest setback comes after multiple failed attempts to award the contracts. Both projects had been retendered several times over the past year after earlier bidding rounds failed either due to a lack of qualified bidders or because participating firms did not meet the technical criteria prescribed in the tender documents. Officials had hoped that the latest round would finally pave the way for the commencement of on-ground works. However, the unexpectedly high financial quotes have once again stalled progress.The Akkulam project was conceived as a scaled-down intervention after the collapse of the original large-scale lake rejuvenation plan. The revised proposal focuses on immediate restoration measures, including removal of water hyacinth and invasive weeds, desilting of critical stretches, repair of damaged walkways and fencing, and restoration of the Akkulam Boat Club. The lake, once among the city’s most popular recreational destinations, has suffered years of neglect, pollution and encroachment.Similarly, the Kovalam project was designed as an interim facelift ahead of the implementation of a larger Rs 93-crore comprehensive redevelopment plan. The proposed works include renovation of walkways, improvement of public amenities, landscaping, lighting and safety infrastructure at the internationally renowned beach destination. The larger project also envisages major tourism infrastructure upgrades, including improved connectivity between beaches and new visitor facilities.Sources said the govt is now faced with two difficult choices , either revise the estimates significantly to accommodate the bidders’ demands or scrap the tender and initiate a fresh bidding process. With KIIFB itself likely to undergo restructuring and policy review under the new administration, officials fear that both projects could face prolonged delays, leaving two of Thiruvananthapuram’s most prominent tourism assets waiting even longer for much-needed restoration.
