Vasai-Bhayander bridge work to commence soon

Mumbai: The much delayed Vasai-Bhayander creek bridge has been finally forwarded by the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA), the tenders for the same have been opened for bidding process recently. The creek bridge will save the commute between both the areas upto 15 km. The work may start by the year-end, said state officials.

“The tenders have been called now, the process will go on till November. The MMRDA committee will approve the lowest bidder, post which the work may start by year end,” said a MMRDA official. He further added that the bridge is yet to receive few environmental nods. The total cost of the project was estimated at around Rs 800 crore last year but the cost has been escalated to more than Rs 1,000 crore. According to tender documents, the total cost for executing the project is Rs 1,081 crore.

The total length of the bridge will be around 5 km with 3+3 lanes, it will be constructed parallel to the Western Railway bridge between Naigaon and Bhayander. It will also have a 100m span of cable-stayed bridge. Presently, the commuters have to take Mumbai-Ahmedabad Expressway to reach Bhayander from Vasai, however with the new bridge the distance will be shortened.  

According to officials, the bridge will connect Subhash Chandra Chowk on the Bhayander side, while it joins the Contino Road on Naigaon side.

The project was conceptualised in 2007, however due to lack of clearances the project did not commence. In 2013, the cost was estimated at around Rs 300 crore.