16 November,2010 07:05 AM IST | | Ranjeet Jadhav
More than a year after Mumbai Police called for tighter security arrangements in the Bandra-Worli Sea Link (BWSL), security continues to be in a limbo after repeated delay by bidding companies.
Subsequently, the Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC) has extended the bids submission date from November 15 to November 30.
In fact, the deadline had earlier been extended from September 13 to November 15 when the bidders failed to turn up to submit their bids ("Hi-tech security eludes BWSL", October 10).
In August, MSRDC had invited bids for the supply, installation, testing and commissioning of re-locatable vehicle explosive scanners for an infrastructure project in Mumbai.
Bidding delay
Speaking to MiD DAY, MSRDC Chief Engineer Sharad Sabnis said, "At this point of time I would not like to disclose the name of bidders who have purchased the bid documents."
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He added, "The date was extended on the bidders' request as they wanted to hold discussions with their bidding partners."
However an official on condition of anonymity said, "The bidders have not submitted the bids till date as they are uncertain about certain financial conditions listed in the bids. They want to sort them out before submitting the final bid."
Security needs
MSRDC has also floated tenders for walkie-talkies, an observation tower, floating buoys, floating jetties and towing vans.
Last year, then Commissioner D Sivanandan had instructed the MSRDC to install high quality security gadgets on the BWSL as it was a potential terror target.
Subsequently, its security requirements were prepared in coordination with the Mumbai police as part of a Rs 23 crore package that is to aided by the Public Works Department (PWD) and the State Home Department.
The 5.6 km long bridge was constructed at a cost of Rs 1,648 crore and was thrown open for vehicular traffic last year.
At present, there are CCTV cameras at various points above and below the sea link to keep vigil on activities.
