Two Bridge Construction Tenders Worth 1 Billion Rupees Fail to Attract Bidders
Summary
Tenders for two major bridge projects over the Sun Koshi River worth about 1 billion rupees failed to attract bids due to unrealistic cost estimates and market mismatches, prompting calls for revised budgets and procurement practices.
Key Points
- The Road Division Office, Khalte, called tenders for two major 'design and build' bridge projects worth approximately 1 billion rupees.
- Neither bridge tender received any bids because contractors found the cost estimates and contract terms unrealistic and not aligned with market prices.
- The Federation of Contractors' Associations of Nepal highlighted the high technical and financial risks and the possibility of commercial loss as reasons for no participation.
- The Federation urged the government to use realistic cost estimates and practical contract conditions, developed in consultation with the private sector, to ensure healthy competition in future tenders.
