The CDA has received a Rs37 billion lowest bid for Islamabad’s new convention and expo centre, far above the original main project estimate of Rs16 billion. The authority plans a third-party evaluation before moving ahead.
ISLAMABAD: The Capital Development Authority has received a lowest financial bid of Rs37 billion for the proposed New Islamabad Convention, Exhibition and Expo Centre, nearly double the main project cost estimated in its original planning.
Financial bids were opened on Tuesday, with the lowest offer submitted by a joint venture led by China Construction Third Engineering Bureau. Only two joint ventures, both headed by Chinese companies, took part in the bidding process.
The project was initially planned on an RCC structure, and its original PC-I carried a total estimated cost of Rs19.3 billion, including contingency, consultancy, utility and landscaping expenses. The main project cost in that plan was put at Rs16 billion. The design was later revised to incorporate steel fabrication and a steel domed roof, while the height of the main hall was increased from 60 feet to 85 feet.
A CDA official said the authority had decided to seek a third-party evaluation before proceeding. He said, “In PC-I everything was calculated, if area was increased or decreased, or new items are added like steel structure, during bid evaluation everything can be cleared,” adding that the authority would move ahead after the reasonability of the lowest quoted bid was examined.
The official said, “Suppose if the consultant and third party evaluator approve these rates, then CDA likely go for revision in original PC-I.” The project is to be executed under the supervision of the recently appointed member building.
The new facility is being planned in Malpur near the Bhara Kahu Bypass, around three kilometres from the existing Jinnah Convention Centre. A CDA document describes it as a flagship venue for conventions, exhibitions, expos, trade fairs and cultural events, and says it is also intended to host the SCO summit in 2027.
Under the original plan, the project covered 270,000 square feet and was to be completed in 18 months. The CDA is targeting completion of the main components within one year to prepare for the summit, while remaining portions, including the expo centre, could be finished a few months later.
