Katchehry Chowk project likely to hit a snag

RDA starts negotiations with FWO to reduce project cost

RAWALPINDI:

The multi-billion Katchehry Chowk remodelling and extension project is likely to hit further snag as the Rawalpindi Development Authority (RDA) — the executing agency — has started negotiation with the Frontier Works Organisation (FWO) to lower its bid offer after the latter proposed to execute the work for Rs5.30 billion.

Earlier, the RDA had invited Railcop Private Limited and the National Logistics Company (NLC) and FWO for taking part in the bidding for the project.

The Railcop and the NLC did not participate in the tendering process.

The Railcop had informed the RDA that it had no experience working on more than Rs6 billion project and the NLC did not attend a technical meeting whereas the FWO, the final bidder, which was initially dropped on technical grounds, has come forward with a proposal to complete the project for Rsr.30 billion.

The Katcheri Chowk project involves three underpasses, three flyovers and the up-gradation and widening of a road. RDA sources said that negotiations were under way with FWO to cut the cost before the contract was awarded to the firm.

The project's ground-breaking is expected to take place in December.

Under the project, 85 per cent of traffic will be signal-free, and 15 per cent will use signals.

An underpass will be constructed from old airport road to Saddar, and a second will be from Saddar to the airport road and up to Iftikhar Janjua Road to Kacheri Chowk, while the third will be from Kacheri Chowk to Iftikhar Janjua Road.

 

Published in The Express Tribune, November 18^th, 2022.