HCC and Afcons Infra win two separate contracts for Mumbai's Creek Bridge Project

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Mumbai, India (Urban Transport News): In a recent development, Hindustan Construction Company (HCC) emerged as the lowest bidder for the civil construction of the 4.3 km Agardanda Creek Bridge near Dighi Port in Maharashtra. The Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC) opened bids for the EPC construction contract, revealing HCC's bid of Rs. 1187.76 crore. This 2-lane bridge, connecting Tokekhar and Turumbadi villages on state highway SH-4 (Revas – Reddi Coastal Highway) in Raigad District, was approved by the Maharashtra Government's cabinet in mid-January 2024.

The MSRDC's brief scope for the project includes the construction of a two-lane bridge across Agardanda Creek with approaches, aiming to enhance connectivity in the region. The estimated cost for the project was Rs. 809.89 crore, and the construction deadline is set at 30 months, with an additional 10-year maintenance period.

Despite HCC's bid being 46.65% higher than MSRDC's estimate, this significant development positions the company favorably for the project, pending further decisions by the authorities. The strategic location of the bridge, east of Adani Ports & SEZ's Dighi Port project, adds to its significance in facilitating transportation and trade in the region.

In another noteworthy development, Afcons Infrastructure has been declared the lowest bidder for the civil construction of a new 2.04 km bridge over Dharamtar Creek. This 4-lane bridge on state highway SH-4 (Revas – Reddi Coastal Highway) in Raigad District, Maharashtra, aims to reduce the driving distance between Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust (JNPT) and Alibaug from approximately 55 km to 30 km.

The Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC) invited tenders for the civil construction, with Afcons Infrastructure and Hindustan Construction Company (HCC) emerging as the two bidders. Afcons secured the contract with a bid of Rs. 2963.97 crore, which is 42.56% higher than MSRDC's estimate of Rs. 2079 crore.

The bridge, designed with a width of 29.50m, will support a design speed of 80 kmph and feature a 1.5m wide pedestrian footpath on either side. The project also involves the construction of approach roads – a 5.13 km road at Karanja and a 1.71 km road on stilts at Revas.

Both these developments underscore Maharashtra's commitment to advancing its infrastructure and connectivity, with these projects expected to play a pivotal role in the region's economic and logistical growth.

The bid wins by Hindustan Construction Company (HCC) and Afcons Infrastructure Ltd mark significant progress in Maharashtra's infrastructure landscape. These projects, once completed, are poised to contribute to enhanced connectivity, reduced travel times, and the overall economic development of the region. As the state pushes forward with its ambitious infrastructure plans, these bridges represent critical components in the broader vision of fostering sustainable growth.