PANJIM, APRIL 8
Louis Berger Consultants India Ltd have been finalized as the consultant for Goa’s ambitious sea link project, which will connect the capital city to the port town of Vasco.
Interacting with reporters on the sidelines of a press conference, the chief minister said in all seven bids were received for the project.
“The consultant is expected to submit the report within 18 months,” he said.
The Louis Berger Group is an internationally recognized consulting firm that provides engineering, architecture, programme and construction management, environmental planning and science, and economic development services, and for nearly 60 years been a partner to various government agencies, commercial industry and United States federal states, according to their website.
When asked whether the sea link was really required for Goa, the CM said, “If you see Goa does not need anything.” We are taking up this project for posterity,” he said adding “Also we will not blindly go ahead with the project. We will study the report and feasibility and only then go ahead.”
Altogether seven firms of international repute, some of them having tie-ups with consortiums in Hong Kong, Singapore, etc, had applied. Of these, three were shortlisted after they made detailed presentation here in the pre-qualification exercise.
The chief secretary-headed bid evaluation committee, on evaluating the bids on technical and financial criteria, had submitted its recommendation to the government for its approval January-end, sources said.
Terms of reference: The consultant will have to conduct techno-environmental financial study, concept design, technical feasibility with alignment, investigation and financial and economic feasibility. Later, it will also have to undertake environmental impact assessment, environmental clearances and social impact assessments. The consultant will be required to prepare the bid documents for appointment of BOOT (build, own, operate and transfer) operator and concession agreement, etc.
There was a suggestion for an under-water tunnel. But with fears that the cost will jump considerably, it may not be financially feasible to add this feature, an official said.
The consultant will also decide about the connecting points of the sealink. As per one design, it could be Dona Paula but according to another considering the road connectivity, it could be Bambolim, sources said. The connecting point on the other side of the River Zuari is yet to be decided; Chicalim cannot be ruled out.
Financial viability: The estimated cost of the project will be more than Rs 1,000 crore. An official said that 40 per cent of the total cost will be made available by the Centre in the form of viability gap funding.
He said 20 per cent of the cost will be borne by the State government while the remaining 40 per cent will be made available from private sector investors.
Planning Commission: Meanwhile, the chief minister said he is going to Delhi on April 12 to attend a meeting with the Planning Commission.
Two meetings are scheduled with Planning commission on April 12 and 13. “This year too I will ask more financial allocation from the commission,” CM said.
“Goa has given more thrust on agriculture keeping in tune with the policy of the prime minister. So the Planning Commission should reward the State. I will put this point before commission. Last year our plan size was Rs 2500 crores. This time I will ask more,” he noted.
