Quepem Police Station Building Approaches Completion After Nearly a Decade of Delays
In Margao, the long-awaited Quepem police station building is finally nearing completion, nine years after construction first began. This development comes to light through a legislative assembly question (LAQ) posed by Quepem MLA Altone D’Costa, which revealed that while the reinforced cement concrete (RCC) structure is fully erected, the finishing work remains pending due to a lack of expenditure approval.
Project History and Initial Setbacks
The project has experienced a turbulent journey since its inception. It was initially approved in November 2016, with an expenditure sanction granted in January 2020 at an estimated cost of Rs 5 crore. Shivam Infratech secured the contract, and construction commenced in February 2020 against a deadline of February 2021.
Although the main RCC structure and septic tanks were completed, funds were exhausted before the finishing work could be undertaken. Consequently, the agreement was terminated after more than Rs 4 crore was spent between the periods of 2020-21 and 2024-25.
Cost Blowout and Design Changes
In the LAQ reply, PWD minister Digambar Kamat explained that a significant cost blowout occurred due to a change in the foundation design. Following soil tests conducted by a PWD-appointed consultant, it was recommended to switch from an isolated foundation to a raft foundation.
This alteration increased the requirements for concrete, steel, and excavation, thereby depleting the allocated funds before the project could be fully completed. As a result, a fresh estimate of Rs 5.2 crore has been prepared to cover the final finishing works, utility services, compound wall construction, and landscaping.
Current Status and Future Plans
The work has been re-tendered and awarded once again to Shivam Infratech for over Rs 4 crore. However, the expenditure sanction is still pending, preventing the issuance of a work order to the contractor. The new building is designed to house the office of the sub-divisional police officer (SDPO), with one floor allocated for the Indian Reserve Battalion (IRB).
Additional facilities will include a library, canteen, conference hall, and surveillance room, enhancing the operational capabilities of the police station. Notably, the LAQ reply does not mention any action initiated against officials or agencies for the prolonged delay, nor does it provide a revised completion date for the project.
The completion of this infrastructure project is eagerly anticipated by the local community, as it represents a critical step in improving law enforcement facilities in the Quepem region. The delays highlight challenges in government project management, particularly regarding budget oversight and design modifications.
