Mhada extends tender for BDD chawl revamp

For the third time, Maharashtra Housing and Area Development Authority (MHADA) came up with an extension for the tender of redevelopment of BDD chawls in Worli. The tender which was supposed to be floated on July 18 for around 122 chawls, will now be floated on July 28. While Mhada claims that the prospective bidders asked them to extend the date, sources said that problems like protests by local residents could be one of the reasons for bidders not coming to the fore. 

On Friday, Mhada released a notice announcing the extension. Earlier, the last day for submission of e-bid was July 17. The same has been extended up to July 27. 

Earlier, two extensions were given but the reasons for the same were not known. Chief officer Mhada, Mumbai Board, Subhash Lakhe confirmed the extension and said, “It has been given on the demand of bidders. This is a global tender and many bidders requested us for more time as they want to have an international partner. The new date for submission, and floating of tender has been extended by 10 days.” 

Some officials claimed that there were reports against redevelopment, which also might have affected the process. “Bidders do get affected with negative reports. Rumours about projects might also have affected the process,” said an official. However, Lakhe denied the allegations.