Achi news desk-
The BMC is in the process of appointing a new contractor to revive and complete the redevelopment project of Topwala Market in West Gurgaon, which has been lying dormant for the past six years. The project, originally budgeted at Rs 131 crore, saw its costs escalate to Rs 166 crore due to various delays.
The redevelopment, initiated in 2019, aims to transform the market into a 16-story building that includes a civic theater for 800 people and urban staff housing. The demolition of the old market building, which housed 265 licensees and a theater, took place in 2018 to pave the way for renovation. Progress was significantly affected by the Covid-19 pandemic, with work only resuming in 2022.
The original contractor’s tenure expired after the basement work was completed, prompting demands to remove the standard 10% cost escalation cap. However, this proposal was not approved by the civic authorities, which led to the cancellation of the old contract, according to a city official.
Farkash Rasal, assistant municipal commissioner of BMC’s market department said: “We have ordered a new tender and the rest of the work will be completed by the new contractor.”
An official in the building construction department said, “The project was affected by an epidemic and also a lawsuit filed by the suppliers. Due to this, the previous contractor had less time to carry out the construction work. We will hold a preliminary meeting for the fresh tenders on May 27 and the contract will be awarded in June. The cost of the material has increased from the preliminary estimate In recent years, the new contractor will be given 42 months to complete the work
