2 years on, Faridabad civic body building project hangs fire

The construction work of the Municipal Corporation Faridabad (MCF) headquarters has been hanging fire for the past two years. The project was initially handed over to the Faridabad Metropolitan Development Authority (FMDA), but the government reversed its decision and decided to transfer it back to the MCF. Now, the MCF will carry out the remaining work after receiving formal directions from the Urban Local Bodies (ULB) Department and approval for additional funds to complete the work.

The project was launched in 2018 but got stalled in 2022-23 due to alleged irregularities and design changes, resulting in a probe by the Vigilance Department. Despite Rs 42 crore being allocated for the project has been spent, only about 50% of the work has been completed. The building, located in Sector 12 (opposite to the Mini Secretariat here), was supposed to have seven floors, but only four floors, including two basements and two above-ground floors, have been constructed.

The new building is set to replace the existing building of the MCF located in NIT zone, which is in poor condition.

The project, initially scheduled for completion by October 2021, has faced multiple disruptions, including wrangling over payments to contractors and design changes. These delays have led to a 50% increase in the project’s cost, and an additional Rs 20-25 crore is now needed to finish the remaining work.

OP Kardam, Executive Engineer, MCF, claimed that as the project has been transferred back, the work on the project is likely to be completed in a year after allotment of funds by the authorities.