USFC warns against bidding below tender cost
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, March 06 2025: The United Senior Citizens' Forum (USCF) of 43-Phungyar Kendra has strongly warned against bidding below the tender cost in the execution of National Highway 102A, while emphasising the need for quality and sustainability in the project.

Representing village chiefs, councils, civil societies, and residents of villages from Shangshak to Tengnoupal, the forum expressed gratitude for the declaration and sanctioning of the 202-km-long highway widening and improvement project.

In a statement, USCF said that the project came after five decades of waiting, and the forum acknowledged the ministry's commitment to enhancing connectivity, stimulating economic growth, and improving the quality of life in Kamjong district, which would contribute to the overall development of Manipur.

However, USCF has raised concerns regarding the quality and sustainability of the project and has strongly urged that no compromises be made in its execution.

The 25 villages along NH-102A have unanimously opposed any attempts by contractors or firms to reduce quality in exchange for lower bids.

The forum has also requested that construction companies refrain from quoting prices below the tender cost, as such a practice could jeopardise the safety, longevity, and effectiveness of the road.

Meanwhile, addressing a press conference, USCF secretary David Zimik informed the media that a joint meeting of 25 villages situated along the highway was held on Wednesday, where village chiefs and secretaries formally established the forum.

The meeting strongly opposed below-tender bidding and resolved to halt the project if such practices were observed.

The forum also decided to submit representations to the union minister and secretary of the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, the managing director of NHID-CL HQ, the Governor, chief secretary, and chief engineer of the state PWD, seeking their intervention to ensure that the project is executed with the highest standards of quality.

Meanwhile, a source revealed that construction companies and firms are quoting 20 to 30 percent lower than the tender cost to secure contracts for several road projects in Manipur.

This practice has led to a significant compromise in quality, with condition of many roads deteriorating within one or two years of construction.

Besides, several crucial road projects in the state remain incomplete hinting at possible similar issues.

The Yaingangpokpi to Finch Corner section of the Imphal-Ukhrul Road, Tadubi-Tolloi Road, and Imphal-Jiribam Road have not been completed despite years of work execution.

Additionally, the Imphal-Kangchup-Haochong-Bhalok (Tamenglong) Road, being executed by the PWD under ADB funding, remains largely unfinished, with less than 20 km completed.

Contractors contacted by The People's Chronicle expressed suspicion that financially struggling companies or firms from outside the state might be trying to salvage their positions by bidding below the tender cost to bag projects in Manipur.

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