New steps for estimates upset engineers

An order issued by Chief Secretary P K Tripathi states that a “due diligence” process should be followed while preparing an estimate for a project. He has listed at least nine steps that engineers must take.

“Estimates prepared by the administrative departments/work executing agencies for infrastructure projects often prove unrealistic. This then raises questions about reliability of ‘basic cost estimates’ presented to the government for taking investment decisions,” states the order.

This,engineers feel,will act as a “speed breaker” in most projects. “There is a reason why we have a preliminary estimate. It is just to indicate what could be the possible cost of the project. And, based on,this whether or not the government wants to undertake the project,” a senior official said.

The norm until now for a preliminary estimate was to calculate the plinth area rate based on the Delhi Schedule of Rate issued by Central public works department (CPWD). To this amount,the cost index issued by RBI is added.

The Chief Secretary wants that even for a preliminary estimate,engineers should carry out soil investigation,asset usage plan,building plans,architectural drawings,procure estimates from local agencies for change of service lines and so on. The order also asked engineers to get statutory clearances from planning agencies like UTTIPEC and DUAC as part of the preliminary estimate.

All these step will require administrative approval since funds will be needed for these as well. “What if after carrying out all these steps,the government does not want to carry out the project? Then the money spent will go down the drain. The preliminary estimate was basically for giving a rough idea. And even CPWD rules state that there can be 10 per cent approximation,” a senior engineer said.

The order also states that a monitoring committee should be instituted to review progress of work on regular basis. “The proposed step,if implemented,will avoid cost and time run over,” Tripathi stated in his order.

This order has been sent to the PWD,Delhi Tourism and Transportation Development Corporation,Delhi State Industrial and Infrastructure Development Corporation,Department of Irrigation and Flood Control and Delhi Urban Shelter Improvement Board.

The first casualty of this order could be the second and third phase of the Barapullah flyover. Estimates of both projects have not yet been signed.