The Uttarakhand government has invited technical bids from six public sector units (PSUs) to participate in construction and infrastructure projects in the hill state.
These companies are telecommunication majors BSNL, TCIL, National Buildings Construction Corporation, National Projects Construction Corporation, Bridge and Roof, and EPI Engineering.
The main purpose of inviting the technical bids is to increase the competition level in the state, which mainly relies on as many as ten government agencies like Public Works Department, irrigation department, Peyjal Nirman Nigam, Uttar Pradesh Rajkiya Nirman Nigam, Garhwal Mandal Vikas Nigam and Kumaon Mandal Vikas Nigam.
The Uttarakhand State Infrastructure Development Corporation Ltd (USIDCL), which formed three years ago, has not given any satisfactory results. Most projects like Naini Saini airport in Pithoragarh are languishing due to various factors.
Earlier the government had entrusted all the construction works, of more than Rs 5 crore investment, to USIDCL. However, since the company failed to show results, the government is now awarding construction works to other agencies as well.
“We understand that scores of infrastructure projects are running behind schedule due to various factors like unhealthy competition and bad monitoring. To ensure healthy competition, we are making a new panel where six more PSUs will be added,” said the official.