The Haryana government has given its official approval for a significant cost escalation of Rs 55.4 crore for the construction of the new Municipal Corporation of Gurgaon (MCG) office building at Vyapar Sadan. This substantial increase raises the total project expenditure from the initial Rs 129.3 crore to a revised Rs 184.7 crore, marking a substantial financial commitment to municipal infrastructure development in the bustling city.
Revised Estimate Cleared by Cabinet Sub-Committee
The revised estimate, which represents nearly a 43 percent increase over the original budget, received clearance during a recent meeting of a cabinet sub-committee. This crucial decision-making body was chaired by Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini and operated under the auspices of the urban local bodies (ULB) department. The approval follows careful consideration of multiple factors that necessitated the budgetary adjustment.
Key Factors Behind Cost Escalation
During the committee briefing, MCG Commissioner Pradeep Dahiya outlined several critical factors contributing to the increased expenditure. The primary drivers include:
- Expansion of the built-up area beyond original specifications
- Adoption of a more robust structural design utilizing M-40 grade reinforced cement concrete (RCC)
- Transition from a variable refrigerant flow (VRF)-based air-conditioning system to a centralized chiller system
These modifications represent strategic decisions aimed at enhancing the building's durability, functionality, and long-term operational efficiency.
Enhanced Infrastructure and Modern Facilities
The revised construction plan incorporates numerous upgrades that will transform the new civic headquarters into a state-of-the-art facility. Significant enhancements include:
- Improved provisions for mechanical, electrical, and plumbing works
- Upgraded electrical systems with modern safety features
- Comprehensive building management systems
- Advanced IT and audio-visual infrastructure
- Robust networking capabilities
- Extensive CCTV surveillance systems
- Sophisticated access control mechanisms
A senior MCG official emphasized that these improvements are specifically designed to strengthen structural integrity, provide contemporary amenities, and ensure sustainable operational efficiency for decades to come.
Building Specifications and Revenue Generation
The ambitious project, originally approved during a House meeting in October 2020, will feature an impressive 11-storey structure with three basement levels. Notable facilities will include a municipal auditorium capable of accommodating 650 attendees and parking infrastructure for approximately 450 vehicles.
In a strategic move for financial sustainability, MCG plans to occupy six floors for municipal operations while leasing the remaining floors for commercial purposes. This approach is expected to generate substantial revenue streams for the civic body. Additionally, authorities are considering dedicating one floor to establish a Centre of Excellence and the city's first micro data centre, pending state government approval.
Digital Transformation and Current Operations
The proposed micro data centre represents a significant step toward digital governance, with initial applications focused on digitizing Gurgaon's water supply system and related assets. The infrastructure is designed with scalability in mind, allowing future expansion to other essential civic services including sewerage management and utility operations.
Established in 2008, MCG currently operates from a rented Haryana Shahari Vikas Pradhikaran (HSVP) building in Sector 34, incurring substantial monthly expenses of nearly Rs 28 lakh. Construction on the new office complex commenced after former Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar laid the foundation stone on December 10, 2021, marking the beginning of this transformative municipal project.
