Panel nixes escalation of Suvarna Soudha cost

Task force recommends downscaling of construction budget

The Task Force, which studied the ongoing construction of the Soudha as per the direction of Chief Minister Yeddyurappa, has made six major suggestions. The 115-page report, which has been submitted to the government, is likely to be placed before the State Cabinet at its Friday’s meeting.

The Public Works Department had sought an additional Rs 110 crore for the construction of the Soudha, while the original estimate was Rs 370 crore. Certain works were given to contractors without inviting tenders. Hence the projected cost was on the higher side.

So far Rs 206.10 crore has been spent for constructing the Soudha. As much as 75 per cent of the approved civil work has been completed. About 50 per cent of the work on installing a water supply system and 25 per cent of the total lighting work has been completed, sources said.

As much as Rs 391 crore will be the total cost to complete the work including certain pending works like interior decoration, installing eco control system, audio-video equipment, drinking water supply, air conditioning system, internet facility, security system, fire security and  installation of elevators.

The report says that all the work may not be completed within October this year. In case, the pace of work goes up, then except the construction of main dome, the rest of the work could be completed by November. In case the legislature session is held in October, arrangements could be made to conduct the proceedings of the Legislative Assembly and the Council at the ground level banquet hall and auditorium.

The task force has observed that the size of the RCC beams and columns are more than prescribed dimension. And, some of them are not visually appealing. There is a need to set right these anomalies. The contractor himself should bear the cost, the report said.
It also said that had there been a good coordination between architects and structural engineers, then the building could have been constructed more attractively with lesser funds. The Task Force has recommended that the PWD prepare the revised estimate and take the expert opinion of the task force and also not to allow construction of any other building within one km radius of the Soudha. In 2007, the cost estimated for the project was Rs 230 crore. Later, it was revised to Rs 370 crore. Subsequently, the PWD sought an additional Rs 110 crore from the Government.