Rising bitumen costs put Kochi road projects under pressure

A sharp rise in bitumen prices is putting pressure on road works in Kochi, according to The Hindu. The price increased from ₹10,093 to ₹14,915 for a 156-kilogram barrel between March 5 and September 16. The change has raised the cost of road construction and maintenance projects and added to difficulties for motorists, although the supplied material does not give details of specific delays or affected roads.

Kochi Corporation is examining whether additional estimates can be permitted to bridge the gap created by the price variation. The move would address the difference between the costs allowed for in existing project calculations and the higher price contractors now face. Contractors have asked for a directive from the Finance department covering excess costs in projects carried out for local bodies.

Their request indicates that the current project allocations may not be sufficient after the increase in the price of the key road-building material. The supplied report does not state whether the Finance department has issued such a directive, how many contracts are affected or whether any road projects have been suspended. It establishes that the price change has created a funding issue for Kochi’s road works and prompted discussions over revised estimates and additional payments.