Nagpur: Despite repeated warnings over the risks of abnormally low bids, the Nagpur Municipal Corporation’s public works department (PWD) has once again placed a proposal before the standing committee involving a contractor quoting more than 26% below the estimated project cost. The proposal is part of a packed agenda for the committee meeting scheduled on March 30.Standing committee chairperson Shivani Dani Wakhare recently ordered probe into the growing trend of contractors quoting unusually low rates, raising concerns over substandard work, delays and future cost escalation. However, the issue has resurfaced yet again with a proposal to construct a box cell bridge near Techops City at Gargoti in Gajanan Nagar in the city.According to the agenda note, three bidders participated in the tender, of which the lowest bidder — M/s RB Yadav — quoted 26.57% below the estimated cost. While the base contract amount stands at Rs53.88 lakh, the total project cost after adding GST, testing charges, insurance and royalty rises to over Rs65.58 lakh. The proposal has now been placed before the standing committee for final approval and issuance of a work order.Civic activists and traffic experts have repeatedly questioned how such discounted bids are being allowed despite earlier instructions to curb the trend. Officials themselves have admitted in the past that ultra-low bids often lead to poor quality construction, especially in drainage, bridges and road works, forcing the civic body to spend more later on repairs.The March 30 meeting is also expected to consider several other expenditure-heavy proposals, adding to concerns about financial scrutiny. Among them is a Rs2.18 crore proposal for the annual purchase of insecticides such as Larvatex, Malathion Technical and Pyrethrum extract to control mosquito breeding across all 10 zones in the city. Another proposal seeks post facto approval for Rs94.31 lakh spent on hiring JCB machines and 10 tipper trucks during the last monsoon for solid waste management in three zones — Laxmi Nagar, Dharampeth and Mangalwari.The panel will also discuss a Rs41.70 lakh proposal related to hot-mix plant machinery for road recarpeting, a Rs28.43 lakh development work proposal in slum areas under ward 6, and the extension of contracts for GIS experts and assistants for another three months at an estimated cost of Rs18.69 lakh.With the civic body already facing financial stress and a history of stalled or poor-quality works, the recurrence of ultra-low bids has triggered fresh criticism. Civic observers say the standing committee must take a firm stand this time, instead of merely approving such proposals.All eyes are now on the March 30 meeting to see whether the committee acts on its own warnings, or allows the same pattern to continue.
