Ganga Express-way project in limbo
Troubles for Bihar government's ambitious Ganga Express-way project are far from over. Bidders are now negotiating hard with the government and may force it to accept many of their demands. Meanwhile, the government maintains that negotiations are on and relaxations will be according to the Government of India's (GoI) guidelines.
The state government envisioned this Rs. 2,224 crores worth project to provide 22 KMs long four lane congestion free road link within Patna. According to the officials, once completed, it will change the look of the state capital. The cabinet approved the project in August and planned to select private partner by the next month. However, it has been let down by the reluctance of bidders. Those who showed up are negotiating hard with the government officials. They are asking for creation of toll booths at shorter distances, development of tourist spots to increase traffic and extension of collection period.
It may force the state government to accept some of their demands. "The world is going through a financial slowdown," said the Road Construction Minister, Nand Kishore Yadav, "and we are no exception. It is a big project, which will require more than Rs. 1,300 crores investment from our private partner. Due to the liquidity crunch, only some companies have shown their interest for this project. However, it will not affect this project. We will select the best suited company for it."
He added, "Despite all this, big names such as Reliance Infrastructure and Gammon India have shown their interest. We are fully aware of bidders concerns. However, the relaxations will be in line with GoI's guideline. The process of choosing private partner will be completed by Friday." According to sources, state government may accept the demand of more toll booths, with the condition of a distance based toll. Some of the land in the vicinity of the express-way may also be given to the private partner for the development purpose. The state government aims to complete the project by 2015.