Mumbai: BMC Invites Tender For Desalination Plant For 5th Time Amid Poor Response from Bidders

Amid the failure to find bidders for its ambitious desalination plant project, the BMC on Monday re-invited the tender for a record fifth time, with a final submission date on April 4.

However, the work is likely to be delayed due to the implementation of the model code of conduct ahead of the Lok Sabha polls. To be built in Manori at a cost of Rs3,520 crore, the plant will boast a capacity to process 200 million litres of water daily (MLD).

The BMC supplies 3,900 MLD to the city. However, the city's reliance on its seven lakes for potable water causes anxiety every year before monsoon. Hence, the civic body revived its desalination plant project. The tender for the same was floated on December 4, with a January 4, 2024, deadline. However, the civic body had to extend the bid submission dates thrice.

“We received only one bid for the project. Several other firms requested to give them some time to study (the plan) and then file the bid. So, we are now extending the deadline to next month. The internal process will continue, but the work order will be issued after the upcoming Lok Sabha elections,” said a senior civic official.