Single firm in the race to build 8 new skywalks

Despite facing a backlash from the public and civic activists over building skywalks at places where they are not needed, the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahangara Palike (BBMP) plans to construct eight new footbridges in various parts of the city.

But more than the plan of building new skywalks, what may invite criticism is the fact that a single firm bid for all the projects in public-private partnership, a source in the BBMP told DH.

Hyderabad-based Syed Iftequar Mehdi (M/s Ad Age Outdoor Advertising Pvt Ltd) is the only bidder for the project which has been sent to the BBMP council for approval.

Padmanabha Reddy, the opposition leader in the BBMP council, said: “Building a skywalk is a sheer waste of money. In reality, no one uses skywalks. We will oppose the projects at the meeting on Tuesday.”

When asked how could only one company bid for the project, Reddy said: “This aspect requires attention and we need to look into its details. If the compan

y fulfils all the tender conditions, the BBMP can consider awarding the project to it. We will seek a clarification from the mayor on this.”

Mayor R Sampath Raj said the project’s fate would be decided only after a detailed discussion in the council. “We will listen to what corporators have to say, and accordingly, we will take a call on the project,” he said.