Contractors have expressed unwillingness to implement the JJ School of Arts’ design to build six forts for the heritage museum proposed for Maratha king Shivaji Bhosle at the Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (CST).
The design of the museum includes the Shivneri fort at the centre, which will be an auditorium with a seating capacity of 1,200 people and will double-up as a resting place for passengers. This centre fort will be surrounded by five other forts that were captured by the warrior and his men, including Raigad, Panhala, Sinhagad, Bhulkot and Janjira.
Contractors who met the senior railway officials said that they were not very enthusiastic about building the entire structure as it was “too extravagant”.
“We have asked if the Railways will allow each builder to build may be one to three such forts and then give the contract for the rest to another builder. The project is extravagant and we may not be able to earn back the money we are putting in,” said a builder who had attended the meeting in January this year.
The contractors have also asked that the Railways to extend the period of lease from 45 years to 90-95 years as they will not be able to earn back the amount in the earlier time frame.
“Projects that we have done earlier for the Railways have been for a period of 45 years. But, we have realised that we do not earn back the money we put in in those years. If there is an issue like a delay due to clearances, we can at least rest assured that we have a lease of 90 to 95 years and we can earn back the money sooner or later,” said another builder.
However, Railway officials have said that this is not possible as it does not fit into the new station development policy brought out by the railway ministry. “Firstly, we cannot do this as the policy does not permit it. Secondly, it will be logistical nightmare for us as we will have to co-ordinate with different contractors and that might create even more confusion,” said a railway official.
The CR plans to build this museum at platform no. 18 of CST, after some space is freed up when the Harbour line’s platform no. 1 and 2 is shifted to P D’mello Road.
