Maharashtra invites request for proposal for 6,000 CCTVs in Mumbai

Ahead of the fifth anniversary of the 26/11 terrorist attack, the Maharashtra government has invited a Request for Proposal (RFP) to design, implement and operate a state-of-the-art, internet protocol-based CCTV surveillance system for Mumbai. The project cost is pegged at Rs 800 crore.

This is the third attempt by the government to invite an RFP for installation of 6,000 CCTV cameras across 1,500 locations, with 12 patrolling cameras on mobile vans and global positioning systems in 1,000 police vans.

The deadline for filing is November 26, while the pre-bid meeting is set for December 7. The last date for filing is January 7.

An official told Business Standard: ''The government’s decision is based on the recommendations of the Ram Pradhan committee, formed by the state to upgrade the preparedness to handle 26/11-like attacks in the metropolis. However, two attempts did not work. Therefore, a new RFP is issued. The successful bidder will have to complete the installation of CCTVs in 42 weeks in the metropolis.''

The official, however, admitted the digging and filling of roads was a challenge, which the bidder will have to tackle. Though the panel tabled its report in December 2009, the recommendation on CCTV surveillance was taken up only after the German Bakery blast on February 13, 2010, in Pune. The state cabinet accepted the committee’s recommendations on July 24, 2011, and floated the tender on July 31, 2011.

However, the project could not take off as a bidder who had quoted Rs 684 crore withdrew, expressing his inability to undertake the plan, the official said.

The RFP document says any organisation debarred/blacklisted by Central/state governments will not be allowed to participate in the tendering process.