CWG scam: How the consultants struck it rich
Streetscaping project initiated in 2004, work began in 2008
By Rumu Banerjee, TNN | Updated:
Streetscaping project initiated in 2004, work began in 2008
Project ill-conceived & ill-planned , without vision and perspective
Govt didn’t seek Delhi Urban Art Commission nod. No initial consultation with traffic police
Projects awarded at average cost of Rs 4.8 cr/km, draining exchequer of Rs 101.02 cr
Contrast this with NHAI estimated cost of Rs 9.5 crore/km for constructing four-lane national highway
PWD made projects consultant-driven . Consultants selected arbitrarily
Govt didn’t provide common design guidelines
Consultants given free hand to draw up designs & estimates, leading to different specifications & rates for identical type of work
Project scope expanded from 2004 to 2008. Initially, project was to be implemented at 10 sites near Games venues covering 20km. Later stretched to 73.48km
Market rates not supported by quotation, estimates not true reflection of prevailing market rates
Basic cost of granite in market Rs 1,022 /sqm, but estimates adopted Rs 1,500-1 ,765/sqm
Per km rate of work ranged between Rs 3.14 cr (roads around Games venues) & Rs 8.27 cr (Ring Road from Ashram to Bhairon Marg Crossing) Third party quality control agencies couldn’t complete jobs, leading to wasteful expenditure of Rs 1.47 cr
Project ill-conceived & ill-planned , without vision and perspective
Govt didn’t seek Delhi Urban Art Commission nod. No initial consultation with traffic police
Projects awarded at average cost of Rs 4.8 cr/km, draining exchequer of Rs 101.02 cr
Contrast this with NHAI estimated cost of Rs 9.5 crore/km for constructing four-lane national highway
PWD made projects consultant-driven . Consultants selected arbitrarily
ADVERTISEMENT
Selections of consultants at exorbitant cost of Rs 12.5 lakh/kmGovt didn’t provide common design guidelines
Consultants given free hand to draw up designs & estimates, leading to different specifications & rates for identical type of work
Project scope expanded from 2004 to 2008. Initially, project was to be implemented at 10 sites near Games venues covering 20km. Later stretched to 73.48km
ADVERTISEMENT
Engagement of consultants at variable rates drained coffers of Rs 1.65 crMarket rates not supported by quotation, estimates not true reflection of prevailing market rates
ADVERTISEMENT
In July 2008, govt decided pavements be constructed with coloured cement concrete paver blocks. Consultant proposed use of richer specification granite at higher costBasic cost of granite in market Rs 1,022 /sqm, but estimates adopted Rs 1,500-1 ,765/sqm
Per km rate of work ranged between Rs 3.14 cr (roads around Games venues) & Rs 8.27 cr (Ring Road from Ashram to Bhairon Marg Crossing) Third party quality control agencies couldn’t complete jobs, leading to wasteful expenditure of Rs 1.47 cr
Download
The Economic Times Business News App for the Latest News in Business, Sensex, Stock Market Updates & More.
The Economic Times Business News App for the Latest News in Business, Sensex, Stock Market Updates & More.
Download
The Economic Times News App for Quarterly Results, Latest News in ITR, Business, Share Market, Live Sensex News & More.
The Economic Times News App for Quarterly Results, Latest News in ITR, Business, Share Market, Live Sensex News & More.
Related Articles
Credit cover for collateral-free education loans may be raised at inter-ministerial consultations2026-06-08T18:46:37Z- Cockroach Janta Party appoints journalist, filmmaker, ex-McKinsey consultant as spokespersons2026-06-03T07:58:11Z
- Commonwealth Games 2030 preparations: Sports Ministry to engage IT Consultants in NSFs2026-05-28T08:18:35Z
ADVERTISEMENT
