Mumbai: 900 tenders, worth Rs 150 cr, in 10 days

The tenders pertain to the construction of pathways in slums, repairing toilet blocks and mending footpaths, among other works. File Pic/Shadab Khan

As the end of the financial year approaches, all departments in the BMC appear to be operating at lightning speed. Racing against time, the civic body has hastily invited over 900 tenders totalling over Rs 150 crore for various works across different wards. The average cost of each tender is between Rs 15 lakh and Rs 18 lakh.

The rush highlights the sense of urgency with which babus are operating before the election dates are announced. As per sources within the civic body, 292 of the 940 tenders valued at around Rs 150 crore, which were issued within the span of just ten days, were extended for projects in Malad and Kandivli.

According to civic documents, these tenders are primarily concerned with tasks such as constructing pathways in slums, repairing toilet blocks, mending footpaths, renovating gardens, installing gymnasium equipment and other projects primarily situated in slum areas.

Civic administrator Iqbal Singh Chahal presents the BMC budget on February 2. File Pic/Anurag Ahire

An official, who did not wish to be named, stated, "These tenders are solicited for projects at the local ward level. The urgency stems from the necessity to commence these works within the current financial year, as funds have been allocated for them in the current budget. Even if the work doesn't begin immediately, administrative approval is required within the fiscal year. Work can commence post-approval even after the financial year concludes."

During this period, the penultimate month of the financial year, the volume of tenders issued typically surges. There's a rush to secure administrative approval for projects, the official explained. "Yes, there's a possibility of a slight increase in several tenders primarily for civil works due to the upcoming elections. Public representatives advocate the commencement of projects in their constituencies before the code of conduct is enforced. The number of tenders for local civil work particularly rises in March," the official added.

According to data shared by the Mumbai civic body, the highest tender was issued for the R South ward, spanning Kandivli, totalling Rs 22 to Rs 23 crore; 142 tenders valued at Rs 17 to Rs 20 crore were extended in P North's Malad area, and 92 tenders, worth Rs 16 to Rs 18 crore, were issued for the N ward (Ghatkopar).

Rs 15L-Rs 18L
Average value of each tender