APCO Infra wins ₹2,378-cr tunnel contract in J&K

In a rebidding initiative, the Gurgaon-based APCO Infratech, has recently secured contract for the strategic Z-morh tunnel in Jammu & Kashmir involving an investment of ₹2,378 crore, said an official spokesperson adding that this is a first step in restarting an under-construction project which was put up for rebidding following uncertainty over its completion date. Prior to this, it was awarded to the now-troubled Infrastructure Leasing & Financial Services (IL&FS) and was lying in limbo for about a year. Amid the uncertainty regarding its progress, the National Highways & Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL) had terminated IL&FS’ contract and invited fresh bids in June this year. The 6.5-km-long Z-morh tunnel will provide all weather connectivity between Srinagar and Kargil. He further said claiming that APCO Infra emerged as the lowest bidder for financial bids quoting the annuity amount of ₹296 crore. The NHIDCL had received bids for the project from four companies in the techno-commercial bid stage. As per the minutes of the meeting of the empowered technical bid evaluation committee, issued in the recent past NHIDCL said that technical bids were received from APCO Infratech, Ashoka Concessions, Chetak Enterprises and NCC Ltd.