Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis Blames 'Faulty Tendering' For Incomplete Projects; Cites Mumbai-Goa Highway Work

Mumbai: Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Friday said ‘faulty tendering’ was one of the key reasons why projects remain incomplete and asserted that an all-round approach should be adopted during the planning phase itself.

Speaking at a workshop on the execution of infrastructure projects in Pune, the CM said Maharashtra leads when it comes to overall projects, but a sizable part of these remain incomplete.

“In 2019, a report by Deutsche Bank stated Maharashtra accounted for 49% of overall projects in the country. We felt good about the report, and we used to quote it in every speech. But today, when I look back, what I see is 40% of the total projects in the state have still not been completed,” he said while emphasising the need for the timely completion of works.

“Faulty tendering is the most significant reason for delays and project failures. The capacity of the contractor must be thoroughly assessed before awarding any tender. Unfortunately, at times, tenders are floated or conditions are laid down due to political or other pressures, and the result is incomplete or delayed projects," he said.

The Mumbai-Goa Highway project suffered because of poor tendering processes, Fadnavis added.

Fadnavis said Maharashtra has, in the last 10 years, gained considerable experience in completing mega projects that were once only seen in foreign countries.

“But we need more accountability across the project lifecycle, from conception to completion. More attention should be paid during the planning phase itself. A 360-degree approach during planning can ensure smooth execution. We have tools like Gati Shakti, but effective inter-departmental coordination is key,” he noted.

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On Thursday, public works minister Shivendrasinhraje Bhosale announced plans to make the Mumbai-Goa Highway pothole-free before the Ganesh festival. The minister made this statement after inspecting ongoing roadwork on the highway. The inspection began at Palaspe Junction in Panvel and was part of a district tour of Raigad and Ratnagiri.

Bhosale, along with several key officials, visited multiple locations on the highway, including Pen, Kharedi, and Koleti, to assess progress and discuss the measures being taken to improve road conditions.

The minister also announced that the government is employing modern technologies to effectively fix the potholes and accelerate the ongoing construction work on the highway. He assured that the work would be completed at the earliest, particularly ensuring permanent solutions for the potholes.