The state government’s attempt to hand over some of the major works of the prestigious Polavaram project, from primary contractor Transstroy Ltd. to another company failed.

Union Minister Nitin Gadkari denied the request of replacing Transtroy at this stage of the project on Monday. He said that setting aside Transstroy and calling fresh tenders will further delay construction activities and the project will not be completed in estimated time.

It may be recalled that the officials of Water Resources Department met Nitin Gadkari and other senior officials in New Delhi recently to detail them about situation of the project and the snags in execution.

The Union Minister reportedly said that the change would fuel the project cost by 35 percent and they will not be able to bear the additional burden. The Centre will help to accomplish the project by 2019. Furthermore, he noted that 75percent of the money will be released within three days of submission of bills. NABARD funds are being procured to increase the pace of the project.

Taking cognizance of the delay in construction work by the contracting firm, TDP government wanted to shift responsibilities as it aims to send water into the canal by gravity by the end of 2018 and complete the entire project by the end of 2019.