With eye on Lok Sabha polls, Maharashtra fast-tracks three infrastructure projects
Just days before the Election Commission’s code of conduct come into effect, the state government has gone all out with the programme to attract votes. It plans to implement infrastructure projects that are bound to improve the transportation network in Mumbai.
The various projects being floated include: Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority’s (MMRDA) tenders for an elevated road between the Eastern Express Highway and the Bandra-Kurla Complex via the railway tracks at Sion and Chunabhatti, Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation’s (MSRDC) request for bid qualification for a Rs 5,975 crore 10-km Bandra-Versova Sea Link (BVSL) to be implemented on a design, build, finance, operate and transfer (DBFOT) basis.
An MMRDA official has been quoted as saying, “The due date for the BKC-EEH connector bid is May 30, but the bidder is likely to be finalized in four months.”
He also said that the bidders generally seek an extension for design and construction-type projects. The Rs 261-crore project is expected to take at least 36 months to complete after issuance of the work order.
MSRDC has also gone ahead and invited bids for project management consultancy for post-tender and pre-tender works for construction of terminal facilities at Ferry Wharf, Mandwa and Nerul to operate a catamaran and roll-on/roll-off (Ro-Ro) service. A consultant is also planned to be appointed for an elevated road between Nerul terminal and Palm Beach Road.
The deadline for bids submission is April 11. MSRDC will outsource operation of the service once the terminal is built.
An MSRDC official also said, “Shortlisted bidders, after the request for qualification round of bidding, will be told to submit their proposals for the BVSL project.”
Source: The Times of India
Election commission, Ferry Wharf, Mandwa, MMRDA, MSRDC, Mumbai, Nerul, Palm Beach Road
