Pune: More than a month after terminating the contract for the Bhama Askhed water pipeline project due to persistent delays, the Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) has invited bids to appoint a new agency for the remaining work.Civic officials confirmed that the tendering process is currently underway. A fresh 10-month deadline has been set, with the goal of completing the vital infrastructure project by next year. The decision to change contractors follows criticism of the civic body for granting multiple extensions to the previous firm despite stagnant progress.A senior official from the water supply department stated that the administration is working to fast-track the appointment so ground work can resume immediately. “We are aiming to restart construction soon. With the monsoon approaching in June, we are expediting the process to avoid further setbacks,” the official said.The project is being executed in two phases and is already well advanced. Approximately 60% of the 1,400 mm diameter pipeline has been laid, while nearly 70% of the 1,700 mm diameter pipeline is complete.The Bhama Askhed pipeline is a critical project for the twin cities. Once operational, it will provide an additional 167 million litres per day (MLD) of water, potentially ending the current alternate-day water supply schedule that many residents face. Officials indicated that a more regular, daily supply would be considered once the project is commissioned.Originally awarded in Aug 2020, the project was initially slated for completion by Dec 2024. However, after the contractor failed to meet revised deadlines of Dec 2025 and March 2026, the PCMC officially initiated termination proceedings last month.
