The Capital Development Authority has opened financial bids for the construction of the New Islamabad Convention, Exhibition and Expo Centre, with the lowest bid coming in at Rs37 billion. The original PC-I for the project was valued at Rs16 billion when it was initially designed with an RCC structure. The revised design now includes steel fabrication and a steel dome roof, which increased the estimated cost significantly.

The Capital Development Authority has opened financial bids for the construction of the New Islamabad Convention, Exhibition and Expo Centre, with the lowest bid coming in at Rs37 billion.

The original PC-I for the project was valued at Rs16 billion when it was initially designed with an RCC structure. The revised design now includes steel fabrication and a steel dome roof, which increased the estimated cost significantly.

A China Construction Third Engineering Bureau-led joint venture submitted the lowest bid. Only two joint ventures, both led by Chinese companies, took part in the bidding process.

Sources said the CDA has decided to conduct a third-party bid evaluation before moving forward. Officials said all changes in the project scope, including additions such as the steel structure, will be reviewed during the evaluation process.

If the consultant and third-party evaluator approve the quoted rates, the authority may revise the original PC-I.

The NICEEC is being planned ahead of next year’s Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit in Islamabad. According to CDA documents, the facility will serve as a multi-purpose venue for conventions, exhibitions, trade fairs, cultural events and the SCO summit in 2027.

The new center will be built near Bhara Kahu Bypass in the Malpur area, around three kilometers from the existing Jinnah Convention Centre.

The original PC-I estimated the project cost at Rs19.3 billion, including contingency, consultancy, utility and landscaping expenses. The main construction cost was set at Rs16 billion, with a covered area of 270,000 square feet and a 60-foot-high main hall.

The revised design has increased the height of the main hall to 85 feet. The CDA aims to complete the main components within one year to host the SCO summit, while the remaining parts, including the expo center, may be completed later.

The project will be supervised by the newly appointed member building.

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