Gurgaon: The proposed upgradation of the Sector 114 outer road has become costlier by about Rs 1.1 crore, with GMDA now estimating the project at Rs 8.8 crore compared with Rs 7.7 crore when bids were invited in March this year.The scope of work remains largely unchanged, but higher bitumen prices due to the West Asia crisis and the increased cost of removing the damaged portion of the existing road have pushed up the estimate.The 780-metre stretch has been in poor condition for nearly six years, with one carriageway becoming non-motorable at several points and deep potholes making it difficult for motorists to use the road. The damaged surface and loose dust have also added to problems faced by residents and daily commuters.According to GMDA, the price of bitumen, a key road-construction material, has risen significantly since the earlier estimate. VG-30 bitumen is currently priced at Rs 72,282 per metric tonne and VG-10 at Rs 70,982 per metric tonne, nearly 50% higher than the rates considered earlier, a GMDA official said.The revised estimate also includes a higher cost for removing the damaged road material. “As the damaged portion has expanded, more material will have to be cleared before the new road can be laid, increasing the overall project cost,” the official said.“The tender was reinvited after the earlier bid was cancelled, with estimates now revised to current rates. We did not want a situation where the rates changed later and the agency faced payment issues or sought an enhancement,” the official added.The road was developed by HSVP more than a decade ago and handed over to GMDA in 2018. It connects sectors 112 and 114 to Upper Dwarka Expressway. Residents of these sectors currently have to take Najafgarh-Bajghera Road to reach the master road, which adds to their travel distance and is often congested because of its narrow width. The proposed revamp is expected to provide a more direct route to the master road once the work is completed.GMDA had planned repairs of the road in 2021, but the work did not move ahead. The redevelopment plan was revived in June 2023 but was later put on hold as traffic movement on the road was considered low at the time.GMDA invited bids for the project in March this year at an estimated cost of Rs 7.7 crore, and three agencies participated. However, the tender was scrapped this month, following which the tender was floated again with a revised estimate of Rs 8.8 crore.Under the revised plan, GMDA will strengthen the existing carriageway and install a crash barrier along the central verge. Drains will be constructed on both sides to improve rainwater disposal. The work will also include installation of road furniture and other road-safety measures along the stretch.“Once the agency is finalised, it will have nine months to complete the work,” the official added.
