Two big infra projects to start after monsoon

Augmentation of Mumbai-Pune Expressway with the construction of twin tunnels and an elevated bridge, as well as work on a second bridge over Thane creek near Vashi is expected to start after the monsoon. 

The Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC) is in the final stage of award ing the work orders for both the projects that will bring relief to motorists travelling between Mumbai and Pune via Vashi.

An MSRDC official said, "The work may start after monsoon after the MSRDC Board approves the offers received for the projects. Once the offer is accepted, a letter of acceptance will be issued, and we can expect work to start post monsoon."

The MSRDC had in May 2018 received an offer from Afcons Infrastructure and Navyuga Engineering for the Mumbai-Pune Expressway augmentation. The offer quoted by Afcons stands at Rs 1,491 crore against the MSRDC's estimation of Rs 1,243 crore, and that by Navyuga, for another section of the e-way, stands at Rs 2,696 crore against the estimated Rs 2,071 crore. For the Thane bridge, Larsen & Toubro quoted Rs 559 crore against the estimation of Rs 570 crore. Both the proposals will be reviewed by the MSRDC Board.