Naini-Saini airport to invite fresh bids

In a move that would further delay the construction of Naini-Saini airport, the Uttarakhand government has cancelled its agreement with Stup, the company which was appointed as a consultant for its expansion and modernisation in the hilly Pithoragarh district last year.

The government-owned Uttarakhand State Infrastructure Development Corporation Ltd (USIDCL) which is the nodal agency for the development of the airport, has now decided to invite fresh bids.

USIDCL had appointed Mumbai-based Stup following a bidding process and agreed to pay Rs 3.51 crore as the consultancy fees as being demanded by the firm.

But Stup backed out after the government tried to renegotiate on the consultancy fees. “After the consultant backed out, we cancelled the agreement also,” said a top government official. “There will be a pre-bidding meeting shortly and we are inviting fresh bids all over again,” confirmed an official of the USIDCL also.

An investment of Rs 56 core is proposed for expanding and strengthening the runway, upgrading other related operational infrastructure and terminal facilities at the Naini Saini airport, which had not been operational for years now. The official said the airport might experience a cost overrun due to the high inflation in the country.

The USIDCL invited bids in 2008 for hiring a consultant but the process hit roadblock on technical grounds. After cancelling bids twice, Stup was chosen as the new consultant last year when fresh bids were invited. “Actually the process of the construction of Naini-Saini airport began in 2002-03 but due to various factors it has failed to take off,” said the official.