Cluj-Napoca's RON 3 bln metro belt auctions canceled due to lack of bidders

The City Hall of Cluj-Napoca has announced the cancellation of two auctions worth over RON 3 billion for the construction of the Metropolitan Belt after failing to receive any bids from builders. The lack of interest in the tender comes as no surprise given the questionable preparation and execution of the express road project, Economedia.ro reported.

Horațiu Cosma, former secretary of state in the Ministry of Transport, criticized the administration's incompetence, stating: "The major failure of the project for the Cluj-Napoca Metropolitan Belt is the payment of an incompetent administration, and the residents of Cluj will bear the bill."

He expressed concerns about the impact on Cluj's residents, who would continue to endure heavy traffic in the metropolitan area due to the lack of progress.

The tenders for the Cluj-Napoca Metropolitan Belt, encompassing lots 2 and 3, were made public on the Electronic Public Procurement System in late February. These contracts, valued at approximately RON 3.5 billion or EUR 700 million, aimed to construct around 24 kilometers of express road and connect routes with funding from the European Transport Operational Program (2021-2027). Builders initially sought clarifications and requested deadline extensions, but ultimately chose not to submit any bids.

Cosma later attributed the failed tenders to Emil Boc, the mayor of Cluj, and criticized the administration's handling of the project. He highlighted the delays in completing the feasibility study and the underestimation of project costs, leading to the lack of interest from builders. He also raised concerns about the loss of European funding and the potential delay in driving on the bypass before 2030.

In contrast to the Metropolitan Belt project, Cluj-Napoca City Hall managed to proceed with the signing of the contract for the M1 Metro line, scheduled for May 25 with Gullermak. However, other significant infrastructure projects in the Cluj area, including the Transilvania Highway and various lots financed by PNRR, are also facing setbacks and suspensions.

(Photo source: Emil Boc/Facebook)