The cost of the BMC command centre project has increased by 75%

The BMC opted to repurpose the city's Art and Craft Centre into a command centre for multiple projects after the idea failed to take off. However, due to an expansion of the scope of work, the BMC will now spend 75% more than the real cost of the center's construction. Commissioner Iqbal Singh Chahal of the BMC recently accepted the plan.

 

The centre is located at Worli's Love Grove Pumping Station. A control room, waiting room, and security office would be on the ground floor, with the Chief Engineer's Office and a conference hall on the first floor, according to an earlier plan to turn it into a command centre. It was initially anticipated to cost Rs 12.26 crore. However, following a site visit and a discussion with P Velarasu, an additional municipal commissioner (projects), the scope of the project was enlarged. As a result, the current cost has nearly doubled to Rs 21.56 crore.

 

After the removal of an old decaying structure, a cafeteria will be created, according to the alterations. Landscape, gardening, visual systems, engineering museums, colourful lighting, music fountains, an enhanced fire fighting system for the control room, and Mangalorean tiles on the building's roof have all been added to the plan, resulting in a cost increase of Rs 9.29 crore. M/s. Dev Engineers has taken on the project at a cost that is 21.6 percent less than the BMC's estimate, according to officials.

 

"There were some modifications," Velarasu explained, "since some key works were left in the original estimate." Two agencies are unable to collaborate on a single project. However, the precise amount must be determined. A separate tender was launched for the electrical, furnishings and IT work."