Authorities concerned are planning to propose a two-year extension on the deadline for the Dhaka-Chittagong four-lane project, the Awami League government’s priority initiative, despite the road transport minister’s earlier assurances of finishing the project by this December.
Sources at the Roads and Highways Department (RHD) made the disclosure to the Dhaka Tribune, adding that the cost of the project would see a significant rise because of the latest decision.
The department has also reportedly decided to extend the contract with DevConsultants Ltd – an Indian joint venture engineering consulting service – for the construction of the Daudkandi-Chittagong portion of the four-lane project. The extension was made without floating any tender, the sources said.
DevConsultant submitted a second revised proposal in July to continue its involvement in the project after its original contract expired this February. Following the proposal, the RHD reportedly decided to award a two-year extension to the same company with an added cost of Tk20.6 crore.
Seeking anonymity, an official of the RHD told the Dhaka Tribune that a proposal to award DevConsultant the work would be placed at the next meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Public Purchase.
According to DevConsultant’s revised proposal, at least 51.47% physical progress has been achieved in constructing 10 packages (segments) of the road, while the progress in constructing two bridges under the assigned portion of the highway has been 59.2%.
Work on the Dhaka-Chittagong four-lane project has been going on for the past eight years, while the government listed the project as a fast-track development project at the start of this year.
Talking to the Dhaka Tribune yesterday, Road Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader said the project – despite being a priority one – had to face cancellations of tender twice and changes in the project director post for 11 times. The project, however, would definitely be completed within the government’s tenure, the minister expressed hopes.
The duration of the four-lane project has so far been repeatedly extended as per the requirements of the project, the minister said. Asked about awarding the job without a tender, Obaidul said the work on carrying out the remaining construction work has been given to an eligible firm.
Earlier this month, Obaidul told a parliamentary watchdog that his ministry would do everything possible to finish the project early. He had also previously told the parliament that the project would end by December 2014
RHD sources said disorganised management and tender process had delayed the Tk3,200 crore project by at least four years, while revisions in the project had also increased the costs by Tk1,000 crore.
