Barapullah Phase III flyover delayed: Deadline pushed to 2027, project cost up by Rs 374 crore

While the project was approved in December 2014, construction began in 2015 and was expected to be completed in 2017. However, the project missed several deadlines due the Covid-19 pandemic, arbitration awards and land acquisition issues, among others.

The original approved cost of the project was Rs 1260.63 crore, which has now been revised to Rs 1635.03 crore – a difference of Rs 374.40 crore.

Chief Minister Rekha Gupta had last year highlighted that the project was repeatedly delayed and eventually ran into arbitration. “The arbitration ruling favoured the contractor with an award of Rs 120 crore. When the payment was withheld, the company approached the High Court, which, in May 2023, ordered the PWD to pay Rs 175 crore, including interest and GST. The sum was subsequently paid during the tenure of then-PWD Minister Atishi,” the CMO had said.

The CM had also directed the Anti-Corruption Branch to probe “irregularities in construction of the Barapullah Phase III elevated corridor” while accusing the previous AAP government of “corruption” in the matter. Further, she sought the opinion of the Law department on arbitration awards and other details of the project.

“Hindrances such as land acquisition and the shifting of high-tension lines have caused an inordinate delay in the project’s scheduled completion. These delays were beyond the control of the department and ultimately led to an arbitration award in favour of the agency and escalation of cost,” the minutes of the EFC meeting stated.

In the EFC meeting, Additional Chief Secretary (Finance) pointed out that there appeared to be a lack of effective enforcement on the part of PWD, as timely action, including issuance of demobilisation orders, was not taken, resulting in avoidable delays and escalation of cost. The Administrative department was asked to take necessary steps to ensure that the tender documents have provisions that avoid such delays.