Panvel Municipal Corporation is scheduled to consider proposals seeking an additional Rs 371.69 crore for its delayed Swarajya headquarters project at the general body meeting on September 9, according to a report by Loksatta. The proposed increase includes Rs 120 crore for construction and Rs 251.55 crore for interiors and related works.
The project, planned as the civic body’s new administrative headquarters, was initially expected to cost Rs 140 crore for construction and Rs 160 crore for interiors. The corporation had acquired a five-acre plot from the City and Industrial Development Corporation for Rs 28 crore near the Karnala Sports Academy for the building.
Construction of the headquarters has been delayed for several reasons. A technical review conducted by the architect, project management consultant and the municipal corporation reportedly found that changes were required in the building’s design. The revised proposals include additional architectural and building components such as glass fibre reinforced concrete, stone cladding, a facade system, a dome system, aluminium fins and fire-resistant paint.
The administration has described these changes as necessary for the building’s long-term durability, energy efficiency, ease of maintenance and architectural quality. The proposed estimate for the first phase of construction is Rs 120 crore and 13 lakh, including Rs 120,13,65,594 in detailed project costs.
The second proposal relates to the project’s interior works and associated activities. A work order had earlier been issued to Konkan Railway Corporation Limited for the second phase. However, a resolution passed by the standing committee on July 28 reportedly removed the work from the company. The corporation is now proposing to conduct a fresh tender process for these works, with an estimated cost of Rs 251,55,58,931.
Both proposals are recorded under the budget head for the new municipal administrative building. The corporation has made a provision of Rs 200 crore under this head, but the proposed additional amount for the headquarters alone is higher than that allocation. The general body will therefore be considering the financial proposals alongside questions about the project’s delay, revised design requirements and changes in the contracting process.
The headquarters was named Swarajya before construction began. The project has now remained incomplete four years after its commencement, with the proposed additional expenditure adding substantially to its projected cost. The Loksatta report said the corporation’s construction department had faced criticism over the slow progress of the work despite instructions from the state government to complete projects within schedule.
The September 9 meeting is expected to examine why the project was delayed and whether municipal officials responsible for supervising it had informed the municipal commissioner about the obstacles. The administration’s explanation, along with the general body’s decision on the revised construction and interior proposals, will determine the project’s next formal stage.
