Trichy: The Trichy corporation's ambitious ₹64 crore road redevelopment proposal, aimed at restoring roads damaged by underground drainage and 24x7 drinking water projects, has encountered a significant setback. Contractors have cited a sharp increase in bitumen (tar) prices, which have surged by over 75% in the past two months due to the West Asia crisis, and are demanding a revision in fund allocation before commencing work.
Bitumen Price Surge Halts Progress
Contractors who secured the road redevelopment projects have refused to begin work, fearing substantial losses. The comprehensive road redevelopment plan, proposed by the urban local body in February, was intended to relay major roads used by buses. In addition to roadwork sanctioned under the Tamil Nadu Urban Road Infrastructure Funds (TURIF), the corporation allocated ₹5 crore from its general funds for this purpose.
Tendering Delays and Escalating Costs
Tenders were floated and contractors identified in February, but the work was delayed due to the model code of conduct for the assembly election. Meanwhile, the escalating West Asia military conflict led to a gradual increase in bitumen prices, a byproduct of crude oil, due to supply shortages.
“When tenders were floated, the cost of a tonne of bitumen was between ₹52,000 and ₹58,000. Currently, the price has reached ₹1 lakh per tonne. Without increasing the project cost to match the new bitumen prices, roadwork cannot be taken up,” said R Bharathidasan, a road contractor.
Contractors Seek Flexible Payment Model
Contractors noted that the state highways department follows a flexible payment model, compensating for hikes in bitumen prices before undertaking roadwork. They have urged the local bodies to adopt a similar system. If bitumen prices drop to at least ₹70,000 per tonne, contractors indicated they could commence work.
Urgent Need for Road Restoration
Multiple roads in core areas of the city await restoration, and the reopening of schools has intensified the demand for new roads. “Soon, the rainy season will start; roadwork must be completed in two months. The state government must allocate additional funds,” said Mayor Mu Anbalagan.
The situation underscores the critical impact of global events on local infrastructure projects, with the corporation now seeking solutions to break the deadlock.
