Islamabad has yet to decide on tender bids for stadium and exhibition center
In Islamabad, Pakistan, the Capital Development Authority (CDA) has yet to make a final decision on the implementation of two major projects — a cricket stadium and the New Islamabad Convention, Exhibition and Expo Centre (NICEEC). Financial bids for both facilities have already been opened, but neither has yet been accepted, Dawn reports.
Stadium awaits cost assessment
The lowest bid for the construction of the stadium structure and road infrastructure amounts to 8.9 billion Pakistani rupees. It was opened on July 19. The CDA instructed a consultant to assess the reasonableness of the proposed cost, and authority officials said that further action would depend on its conclusion.
The stadium is planned to be built in Zone III near the D-12 area. CDA rules prohibit all types of construction in this zone, while the authority maintains that sports and recreational facilities may be developed there. The Habib-ZKB-EA consortium won the financial competition: 5.8 billion rupees is allocated for the three-tier stadium structure, and another 3.1 billion for external works, including three kilometres of roads with three lanes in each direction and related structures.
Bid for NICEEC has also not been accepted
Financial bids for NICEEC were opened on August 4. The lowest one amounted to 37 billion rupees, but the CDA has not yet accepted it. According to the publication's sources, the construction company later offered to complete the project for 34 billion rupees.
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According to sources, some CDA officials also prepared a preliminary estimate under which the cost could decrease to about 25 billion rupees if the project were exempted from import duties and other taxes. At the same time, it is unknown whether the authority will approach the federal government regarding such concessions.
The original NICEEC project documentation envisaged costs of 16 billion rupees and a reinforced-concrete structure. After the project was revised, steel elements, a steel domed roof and an increased building height were added. The 37 billion rupee bid was submitted by a joint venture led by China Construction Third Engineering Bureau. Two consortia led by Chinese companies took part in the competition. CDA management decided to conduct an external assessment of the bid before taking further action.
NICEEC is being prepared for the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit, which is due to take place in Islamabad in 2027. According to a CDA document, the complex will be used for conventions, exhibitions, expos, trade fairs and cultural events.
