Maharashtra govt awards contract to set up 13-storey Bhakta Niwas at Ayodhya

The contract for Maharashtra Bhavan was awarded to Mumbai-based Generic Engineering Construction And Projects Ltd for Rs 119.50 crore.

Though the BJP has drawn up its list of ministerial candidates, there are at least three to four names which require the central leadership’s go-ahead. (PTI)

The Maharashtra government has awarded a contract for the construction of the Maharashtra Bhavan at Ayodhya in Uttar Pradesh to Mumbai-based Generic Engineering Construction And Projects Ltd (GECPL) for Rs 119.50 crore.

The 13-storey Maharashtra Bhavan, also called ‘Bhakta Niwas’, will be constructed on a two-acre plot allotted by the Uttar Pradesh government near the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya to provide accommodations for devotees from Maharashtra. The construction is expected to be completed within three years.

Last August, the Maharashtra Public Works Department (PWD) floated a tender for building Maharashtra Bhavan
at Ayodhya with state-of-the-art facilities offering lodging, boarding, and other amenities to devotees at a modest cost.

The estimated cost of the project was Rs 113 crore.

Two companies – Nirmiti Buildcon and GECPL – participated in the tender of which Nirmiti quoted Rs 120.04 crore and GECPL bidding Rs 119.50 crore.

The GECPL is listed on Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) and National Stock Exchange (NSE), Mumbai. In March, the company clocked a revenue of Rs 289.3 crore and net profit of Rs 11.25 crore.

In March, the state Cabinet approved the purchase of a 9,420.55-square-meter plot in Ayodhya for Rs 67.14 crore to build the Maharashtra Bhavan. The plot is located in the Greenfield Township of Ayodhya’s Sector 8 under the Land Development, Housing, and Market Scheme in Shahanwajpur Mazha.

“The Maharashtra Bhavan will be equipped with modern facilities, offering devotees a comfortable experience at an affordable price. The Bhavan will be called ‘Bhakta Niwas,’ an official stated.

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In 2023, during his visit to Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath accepted the request of Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and promised that land would be allotted in Ayodhya for Maharashtra Bhavan near the Ram Temple.

Vallabh Ozarkar

Vallabh Ozarkar is a Senior Correspondent with The Indian Express' Mumbai bureau, recognized as an authoritative and deeply knowledgeable voice on the politics, governance, and infrastructure of Maharashtra. With approximately seven years of experience in major news organizations, his reporting delivers high standards of Expertise and Trustworthiness. Expertise & Authority Current Role: Senior Correspondent, The Indian Express, Mumbai bureau. Geographical Specialization: Provides exclusive and detailed coverage of Maharashtra politics and governance, operating at the epicenter of the state's decision-making in Mumbai. Core Authority: His reporting demonstrates deep Expertise across critical and often complex state matters, including: Political Dynamics: In-depth analysis of the ruling coalition (Mahayuti) and opposition (MVA), internal party conflicts, and crucial election updates, including local body polls and municipal corporation tussles. Governance & Policy: Focused coverage on significant state policies, such as the overhaul of Mumbai's 'pagdi system' (rent control for old buildings) and social welfare schemes (e.g., Ladki Bahin Yojana accountability). Infrastructure & Development: Reports on major urban and regional infrastructure projects, including the Mumbai Water Metro, Uttan-Virar Sea Link, and Thane Metro development. Administrative Oversight: Follows legislative actions, cabinet decisions, and reports on issues of accountability and alleged fraud within state departments. Experience Current Role: His role at The Indian Express—a leading national daily—validates the credibility and standard of his reporting. Career Foundation: Prior to The Indian Express, Vallabh contributed to other major metropolitan news outlets, including the Mumbai Mirror and DNA - Daily News & Analysis, providing a solid foundation in rigorous urban and political journalism. Evidence of Impact: His work consistently breaks down complex political developments and administrative failures, such as exposing discrepancies in government welfare schemes, cementing his reputation as a trusted source for ground-level, impactful news from Maharashtra. He tweets @Ozarkarvallabh ... Read More

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