The Mahatma Gandhi Sabarmati Ashram Memorial Trust (MGSAMT), which is implementing the Rs 1,200-crore Sabarmati Ashram redevelopment project, has allotted a tender worth around Rs 113 crore to Ecofirst Services Limited, a subsidiary of Tata Group.
The tender is to design and develop museums and exhibitions in the ashram under redevelopment spreading over around 55 acres of land.
The tender was allotted to Ecofirst Services Limited earlier this month, said a senior official connected with the development.
The tender was floated for selection of a design-build-operate-transfer (DBOT) agency for curation, content development, exhibit fabrication and outdoor sculpture works for the Gandhi ashram, which is being developed as a memorial. This will include museums and exhibitions at 23 buildings inside the ashram campus.
It is to be noted that earlier, the trust had issued a tender of around Rs 135 crore for the similar tasks to select a DBOT agency. However, it was cancelled by the MGSAMT authorities subsequently.
After cancelling that tender, the latest tender was floated in October last year which remained open till November 6.
The exact reason behind cancellation of the first tender is not known, but a senior official had told The Indian Express that it was cancelled after realising that it would not be possible to fairly evaluate bids received under the conditions of that tender. The retender was issued after making certain changes from the designing and building point of view, the official added.
Story continues below this ad
Top sources had told The Indian Express that unlike the previous tender, in the latest tender the authorities have specified certain designing parts including the modes of communication to be employed in it.
The new tender has also restricted the digital element part in the whole exercise to 30% while also making two live demonstrations, like spinning a wheel and making a cotton wick, at the redeveloped ashram campus compulsory.
Some of the buildings where museums and exhibitions will be developed include Das Oradi, Rangshala, Kutumb Niwas, Saat Oradi, Jamna Kutir, Junu Rasodu, Somnath Chhatralay, Imam Manzil, Ashram Shala, Udyog Mandir, Sardar Kutir, Dehla Puni Kendra and Bal Mandir.
The tender includes maintenance of the developed part for five years.
Story continues below this ad
The project is being jointly implemented by the central government and Gujarat government. Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel is the chairperson of the governing council of the MGSAMT whereas retired IAS officer I P Gautam is the chairperson of its executive council.
During his recent visit to Gujarat earlier this month, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had reviewed the progress of the project.
Parimal A Dabhi works with The Indian Express as Chief of Bureau, focusing on the state of Gujarat. Leveraging his seniority and access, Dabhi is recognized for his reporting on the complex interplay of law, politics, social justice, and governance within the region.
Expertise & Authority
Core Authority (Social Justice and Law): Dabhi is a key source for in-depth coverage of caste-based violence, discrimination, and the state's response to social movements, particularly those involving Patidar, Dalit and OBC communities. His reporting focuses on the societal and legal fallout of these issues:
Caste and Discrimination: He has reported extensively on social boycotts and instances of violence against Dalits (such as the attack on a Dalit wedding party in Patan), the community's demands (like refusing to pick carcasses), and the political responses from leaders like Jignesh Mevani.
Judicial and Legal Affairs: He tracks significant, high-stakes legal cases and judgments that set precedents in Gujarat, including the convictions under the stringent Gujarat Animal Preservation Act (cow slaughter), 2002 Gujarat riots and developments in cases involving former police officers facing charges of wrongful confinement and fake encounters.
Political and Administrative Oversight: Dabhi provides essential coverage of the inner workings of the state government and the opposition, ensuring a high degree of Trustworthiness in political analysis:
State Assembly Proceedings: He frequently reports directly from the Gujarat Assembly, covering Question Hour, discussion on various Bills, debates on budgetary demands for departments like Social Justice, and ministerial statements on issues like illegal mining, job quotas for locals, and satellite-based farm loss surveys.
Electoral Politics: His work details key political developments, including election analysis (voter turnout records), party organizational changes (like the end of C R Patil’s tenure as BJP chief), and campaign dynamics. ... Read More
