Manipur: Phungyar senior forum opposes NH-102A tender award at meagre bid price

The United Senior Citizen Forum (USCF) of 43-Phungyar Kendra has raised strong objections to the ongoing tender process for the widening and improvement of the Shangshak-Tengnoupal Road (NH-102A), citing that bids quoting far below the sanctioned cost could compromise the quality and safety of the long-awaited project.

Addressing a press conference in Imphal today, forum leader David Zimik welcomed the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways’ (MoRTH) approval of the ₹429 crore project under the Annual Plan 2024-25, but expressed shock that the lowest bidder among 12 firms had quoted only ₹227 crore. The forum said the 47.2 per cent reduction from the sanctioned cost, amounting to ₹202 crore, was “unacceptable” and a direct threat to the integrity of the work.

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“We have waited more than five decades for this road to be recognised and developed as a National Highway. If the tender is awarded at such a meagre quoting price, it will severely compromise quality, safety, and the long-term effectiveness of the project that is meant to serve at least 25 villages,” Zimik said.

The forum urged construction firms to refrain from underquoting bids and appealed to the authorities to closely monitor the process to ensure only bidders quoting at or above the sanctioned cost are considered. It also warned that awarding the project at such a low rate would disregard the repeated appeals of the local residents.

Calling for immediate intervention, USCF pressed MoRTH and state authorities to re-tender the project in order to safeguard the interests of the people and ensure that the quality of work meets national highway standards.