Team Herald
MARGAO: Despite calls from citizens and stakeholders to expedite the process, no bidders have shown interest in the multi-level parking project proposed behind the Margao Municipal building.
According to reliable sources, the deadline for bids was September 7, but with no bids received, the deadline has now been extended to September 22.
Citizens have been waiting for nine years for the start of the multi-level parking project in Margao’s commercial centre, which many believe will help ease the town’s traffic congestion.
Officials from the Goa State Urban Development Agency (GSUDA) stated that the fate of the Rs 10 crore project will be decided once the extended e-tender process is completed. On Thursday, officials informed O Heraldo that GSUDA had issued a new e-tender for the project, after the first tender received only a single bid.
The project was initiated nine years ago to build a parking lot at the old fish market behind the MMC building.
Although the foundation stone was laid in 2015, the project was abandoned after the introduction of GST, despite MMC tendering it two years later.
In 2021, after repeated failed attempts by the civic body to attract bidders, the new council handed over the project to GSUDA. “September 7 was the last day to bid, but not a single bidder applied,” sources said.
They added that while all necessary approvals have been granted, the deadline was extended by another 15 days due to the lack of bidders, in accordance with guidelines.