Dehradun:ARUNODAY TIMES
The Public Works Department (PWD) has issued a detailed clarification after questions were raised on social media regarding the tender process for the reconstruction of the Nanda Ki Chowki Bridge over the Tons River on National Highway-72 near Herbertpur. The department stated that the entire tendering process was conducted in a transparent and fair manner, strictly in accordance with the Uttarakhand Procurement Rules, 2025, with no deviation from prescribed norms. Officials emphasized that the complete process was carried out through the e-tendering system.
According to the PWD, the first tender for the reconstruction and strengthening of the damaged bridge at Kilometer 143 on the Dehradun–Herbertpur road was invited on November 14, 2025, by the Superintending Engineer, Ninth Circle, PWD, Dehradun. The tender was widely advertised through national and regional newspapers to encourage maximum participation from eligible construction firms. Two firms submitted bids.
The department said that technical bids were opened on December 23, 2025, and evaluated by the Tender Evaluation Committee on January 2, 2026. During the evaluation, only M/s Himalayan Construction was found technically responsive. Since only one bidder qualified for the financial bid, the first tender was cancelled in accordance with the provisions of the Uttarakhand Procurement Rules, 2025, which require competitive bidding.
Following the cancellation, a fresh e-tender was issued on January 3, 2026, and was again widely publicized through newspapers and the e-procurement portal. Two firms participated in the second tender as well. Technical bids were opened on January 20, 2026, and evaluated the following day. Once again, only one firm was found technically qualified. As per the applicable rules, the department completed the procurement process and issued the work order on January 31, 2026.
Bridge Opened on July 12; Approach Road Damaged on July 28
PWD stated that the bridge construction was completed and opened to traffic on July 12, 2026. However, on the morning of July 28, 2026, at around 6:00 a.m., a portion of the approach road on the right side of the bridge was damaged due to soil slippage. Following the incident, several claims and allegations regarding the bridge’s construction quality and tender process surfaced on social media.
Investigation Underway
The department said that the preliminary investigation into the damage to the approach road is being conducted by the Chief Engineer, Regional Office, PWD, Dehradun. Any further comments or action will be based on the findings of the inquiry. The department urged the public not to draw premature conclusions until the investigation is completed.
PWD further clarified that the national e-procurement platform is open to all eligible firms and rejected allegations that the tender process was designed to benefit any particular contractor. According to the department, the bidding process remained open, competitive, and transparent throughout, providing equal opportunity to all eligible participants.
