BMC Launches Major Tender Push After Civic Elections
The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has initiated a significant contracting spree in the aftermath of the recent civic elections, floating a total of 361 tenders with a combined value of around Rs 600 crore. This substantial move comes immediately after the withdrawal of the model code of conduct that had been imposed ahead of the local body polls.
End of Contracting Freeze
According to official records, the tenders were issued between January 17 and February 9, with 355 of them currently active and open for bidding. The State Election Commission's lifting of the code of conduct marked the end of a month-long freeze on civic contracting activity that had created a substantial backlog of pending projects.
Civic officials revealed that a large number of these tenders had been pending since December but could not be processed due to the electoral restrictions. BMC records confirm that no tenders were floated between December 15, when the code came into effect, and January 16, when the civic elections were officially announced.
Infrastructure Projects Across Mumbai
The tenders cover a diverse range of infrastructure and civic works spanning various locations across Mumbai. Key projects include:
- Resurfacing of roads in the eastern suburbs
- Repairs to sections of the Bandra Waste Water Treatment Facility (WWTF)
- Maintenance work at the municipal-run KEM Hospital
- Hiring of vehicles for waste collection in Borivali
- Drainage and passage repairs in Malad
- Procurement of vehicle-mounted mist spray machines to combat air pollution
- Maintenance of CCTV cameras at HBT College
"Typically, we float five to ten tenders every week," explained a civic official. "However, during the month-long period of the code of conduct, no new tenders could be issued, creating a significant backlog. Therefore, after the elections concluded, these tenders were uploaded immediately to prevent any delays in executing essential civic works."
Transition from Administrator's Rule
This tendering push coincides with the civic body's preparation to transition out of administrator's rule, which has been in place since March 7, 2022, following the dissolution of the elected body. During this period, all tenders required clearance from the municipal commissioner, as the powers typically held by the mayor and statutory committees were vested in that position.
"The administrator rule will continue in BMC until the Mayor is elected," noted another civic official. "If any of these projects whose tenders are already live encounter obstacles, they will need to undergo a fresh approval process from the statutory committees, which have been absent for the past four years."
The substantial tender release represents a crucial step in resuming Mumbai's infrastructure development and maintenance projects after the electoral hiatus, addressing both immediate civic needs and long-pending works across the metropolitan region.
