MSRDC in demand: Other states, nations want it to build roads, bridges & tunnels

The Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC) is in demand — if not in Maharashtra, at least in some other states. Jharkhand, Rajasthan and Uttarakhand want MSRDC to undertake infrastructure projects given the expertise of the corporation in building roads and bridges in the state. This comes at a time when corporation is finding little work in terms of new projects in Maharashtra. Even Afghanistan and Myanmar want MSRDC’s expertise in those countries.  

This development has forced the MSRDC minister to seek the approval of the chief minister and the cabinet for amending the rules with regard to the mandate of the corporation carrying out work only within the state.     

The minister has sought an approval from the CM for expanding the mandate and allowing MSRDC to carry out work outside the state and earn revenue from it. Presently, the corporation is entrusted with work given by the state government.     

“I have sought the approval of the chief minister and he has promised to look into it,” says Jaidutt Shirsagar, minister for PWD (MSRDC).  

However, officials say the CM has been delaying the approval despite several follow ups by the minister, including in the last cabinet. In fact, the minister was angry over the attitude of the chief minister on this, say officials.  

“It is a continuous process. Not only the states of Rajasthan and Jharkhand have expressed interest, but even Uttarakhand wants us to build good roads and bridges,” said SM Ramchandani, joint managing director, MSRDC.

According to him, the other states want the agency to take up construction of tunnels. In fact, Afghanistan and Myanmar too have shown interest. Afghanistan wants MSRDC to make utility ducts on the lines of Mumbai-Pune Expressway.”