Games projects in trouble?

It is not only the Commonwealth Games village project that is in trouble. With just over a year to go, two key projects linked to Games are not only running behind schedule but have also failed to take off, reports Moushumi Das Gupta.

It is not only the Commonwealth Games village project that is in trouble. With just over a year to go, two key projects linked to Games are not only running behind schedule but have also failed to take off.

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These include construction of a Rs 100 crore flyover project by the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) near the Commonwealth Games village and refurbishment/ upgradation of 14 training venues. Work has not begun on these two projects.

Eighteen months to go for the Games and DDA has not even finalised the tenders for these projects till now.

Hindustan Times had reported on January 2 on how the private developer constructing the Games village is facing a financial crunch and had asked DDA for assistance to complete the project.

Once completed, the flyover, coming up at the intersection of National Highway –24 and Bund Road, will provide direct entry and exit to the Games village.

Even DDA officials admit it is one of the most important projects for the Games.

Its only when the tenders are closed and bidders finalised that work will start on the flyover project. Senior DDA officials said after all necessary approvals are done, it takes a maximum of 18 to 24 months to construct an Rs 100 crore flyover.

Similarly, the project to upgrade the 14 training venues for the Games has been delayed. DDA had floated tenders for it in November last year but they were recalled because of high bids. “We have not decided when fresh tenders would be floated,” said a senior DDA official.

The 14 training venues that are to be upgraded to international standards are located at Yamuna, Sirifort and Saket sports complexes.