B-SMILE cancels tenders for two elevated corridor projects again, re-floats on same day with new estimates
B-SMILE says the two tenders were cancelled due to technical reasons, but won’t reveal what the technical reasons were
Bengaluru's Bengaluru Smart Infrastructure Limited (B-SMILE) has canceled tenders for two elevated corridor projects and reissued them on the same day with revised estimated project costs. The decision, made on October 29, was due to technical reasons issued by the Urban Development Department (UDD). Despite residents' objections, B-SMILE awarded nine elevated corridors with estimated costs exceeding initial projections.
The canceled and reissued tenders include segments from Minerva Circle to Hudson Circle, Balagangadharanatha Swamiji to Town Hall, and Anand Rao Circle to K.R. Circle. Additionally, the Sholay Circle to St. John’s Hospital corridor was reissued. Calls to Greater Bengaluru Authority and B-SMILE Technical Director B.S. Prahallad seeking clarification on the technical reasons were unreturned.
However, the revised estimates showed a decrease in project costs. The Minerva Circle corridor is now estimated at ₹511.48 crore, down from ₹539 crore, and the Sholay Circle corridor has been revised to ₹515.28 crore from the original ₹564 crore. This cancellation marks the second time tenders have been canceled within a month, following initial approval by the Cabinet.
The UDD noted the tenders were based on a hybrid model without prior approval. Opposition from citizens' groups, citing traffic concerns, has been persistent.
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