MCD Road Tender in Delhi Raises Questions After Bid Comes 55% Below Estimated Cost

New Delhi: A road construction tender issued by the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) has sparked controversy in the Shahdara North Zone, after a contractor allegedly offered to complete the project at nearly half the estimated cost, raising serious concerns about transparency and quality of work.

The tender was floated by the Project-1 Division of Shahdara North Zone for the construction of a road under the Karawal Nagar Assembly constituency. The MCD had estimated the project cost at ₹2,25,76,446, but a private company reportedly quoted 55% lower, offering to complete the work for just ₹1,01,41,339.

Major Question: Can a Road Be Built at Half the Cost?

The unusually low bid has led to a key question being raised: How can a durable road be constructed at such a significantly reduced amount?

Officials and sources have pointed out that the cost estimate prepared by MCD engineers is generally based on technical calculations and material requirements. Therefore, such a drastic reduction has created doubts over whether the road can meet quality standards or sustain long-term usage.

Complaint Sent to MCD Commissioner

A formal complaint has reportedly been submitted to the MCD Commissioner, alleging major irregularities in the tender process. The complaint claims that large-scale manipulation may have occurred from the stage of tender initiation to its final allocation.

The road proposed for construction falls under Shahdara North Zone and includes the Shaheed Dinesh Chandra Sharma Marg and the Karawal Nagar Pushta Road.

Contractor Identified as L-1 Bidder

Sources said that after the tender bids were opened, Suresh Kumar Goyal Buildcon Private Limited emerged as the L-1 bidder (lowest bidder). The contractor claimed it could complete the work worth ₹2.25 crore in just around ₹1 crore.

Other bidders also quoted lower rates. Rajan Builders reportedly offered a 46% lower bid, while Bal Kishan Gupta quoted 40% below the estimated amount.

Concerns Over Road Durability

The situation has raised serious concerns about the lifespan of the proposed road. Experts argue that if a contractor constructs the road at such a reduced cost, the quality of material and execution could be compromised, affecting the durability and safety of the road.

Allegations of Favoritism in Tender Process

Sources further alleged that despite submitting all required documents, a ninth company was allegedly removed from the tender process, possibly to ensure that preferred contractors could secure the project.

The allegations have triggered calls for a thorough investigation into the tender process to ensure fairness, transparency, and accountability in public infrastructure projects.