Hyderabad Hit With Delays On Fob Construction

Problems, including lack of response for tender invitations and untimely delays for needed work, have led to postponement of a number of foot-overbridge (FOB) projects in Hyderabad, India, The Hindu reports. The number of FOBs was trimmed from 52 planned units, which were issued by the government, to only 36 for the first phase. Officials have offered assurance that the remaining projects will be restored and fast-tracked after efforts succeeded in initiating utility work, a delayed process that includes removal of overhead electric lines, underground cables and water pipelines. An official noted, however, that FOBs that are scheduled to have escalators will face longer delays because the pandemic lockdown has stalled their shipment. Manufacture of the escalators will continue, with the plan to deliver them when possible. All FOBs will have elevators, though an official hasn’t said whether this would impact construction timelines.