Tata Group Subsidiary Secures Major Contract for Sabarmati Ashram Redevelopment
The ambitious Rs 1,200-crore redevelopment project of the historic Sabarmati Ashram in Ahmedabad has taken a significant step forward with the allocation of a crucial tender. The Mahatma Gandhi Sabarmati Ashram Memorial Trust (MGSAMT) has awarded a contract worth approximately Rs 113 crore to Ecofirst Services Limited, a subsidiary of the Tata Group.
Scope of the Museum and Exhibition Design Project
This substantial tender specifically covers the design and development of museums and exhibitions within the ashram premises, which spans across approximately 55 acres. The project involves a comprehensive design-build-operate-transfer (DBOT) model, where Ecofirst Services will be responsible for:
- Curation and content development
- Exhibit fabrication and installation
- Outdoor sculpture works
- Maintenance of developed areas for five years
The museums and exhibitions will be housed in 23 significant buildings across the ashram campus, including Das Oradi, Rangshala, Kutumb Niwas, Saat Oradi, Jamna Kutir, and several other historically important structures.
Revised Tender Process and Specifications
This tender award follows a previous cancellation of a similar contract valued at around Rs 135 crore. The initial tender was withdrawn after authorities realized that fair evaluation of bids under its original conditions would not be feasible. The retendering process was initiated in October of the previous year, with the bidding window remaining open until November 6.
Significant modifications were incorporated into the revised tender from both design and construction perspectives. Unlike the previous version, the current tender includes specific requirements regarding:
- Communication modes to be employed in exhibitions
- A cap of 30% on digital elements throughout the project
- Mandatory live demonstrations of traditional activities like spinning wheels and making cotton wicks
Project Governance and Recent Developments
The Sabarmati Ashram redevelopment is a joint initiative of the Central Government and the Gujarat State Government. The project's governance structure includes Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel as chairperson of the MGSAMT governing council, with retired IAS officer I P Gautam heading the executive council.
During his recent visit to Gujarat earlier this month, Prime Minister Narendra Modi reviewed the progress of this significant heritage redevelopment project, underscoring its national importance.
The selection of Tata Group's Ecofirst Services Limited represents a major milestone in transforming this historic site into a world-class memorial and educational complex that will preserve and showcase Mahatma Gandhi's legacy for future generations.
