Central Vista project: Ahluwalia Contracts lowest bidder for Executive Enclave
Ahluwalia Contracts India Limited on Tuesday emerged as the lowest bidder for the construction of Executive Enclave as part of the Central Vista project after the company quoted an amount of Rs. 1,119 crore for the project. Notably, it is 3.50% less than the Rs. 1,160-crore cost estimated by the Central Public Works Department (CPWD), which is executing the project.
Why does this story matter?
As per official documents, Executive Enclave will house the prime minister's office (PMO), cabinet secretariat, India House, and the National Security Council Secretariat. It is part of the Centre's ambitious Central Vista redevelopment project, which envisages a new Parliament building, a common central secretariat, revamping of the Rajpath, a new office and residence of the PM, and a new vice-president enclave.
Who were other bidders?
Tata Projects Limited, which is constructing the new Parliament building, quoted Rs. 1,154 crore. NCC Limited quoted a bid amount of around Rs 1,158 crore, while Larsen & Toubro Limited reportedly quoted an amount around Rs. 1,317 crore. Since the lowest bidder is usually awarded the contract, the CPWD board will decide on awarding the tender in the next few days, an official said.
Project to be completed within 24 months
According to bid documents, the new PMO will have three floors, each 4.75 meters high, along with the basement and ground floor. The new cabinet secretariat and the NSC Secretariat will have a similar structure. India House will have one floor, apart from the basement and ground floor. The project will be completed within 24 months of initiation of the construction work, it added.
'Executive Enclave will be designed to improve potency, functioning'
Executive Enclave will be designed to "improve potency and functioning through the carefully planned formation of different departments with supporting facilities," bid documents read. "This will ensure prime security and excellent interconnectivity within the Enclave" with other Central Vista offices, it said. "Relocating these departments will also ensure efficient security protocols for VIPs and VVIPs without disturbing the daily movement of the public."
