Sea link toll operator in limbo

While uncertainty looms over the fate of the next phase of Bandra-Worli Sea Link, there is still no clarity on the toll operator’s fate.  

Although a file has been prepared for a three-month extension by the sea link owner — Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC),  it has still not been sent to the toll operator — Mumbai Entry Point Ltd. 

On the other hand, while the Reliance Infrastructure-led consortium officials continue to be tight-lipped about their plans of financial closure, sources close to the development have confirmed that the consortium has asked for another extension.

“We will start work in June. We need to hand over the government (MSRDC) Rs1,634 crore before that. However, if the corporation itself is not clear on whether the Worli-Haji Ali sea link is on or shelved, how can we declare financial closure? We need a clear indication from the government,” said a source close to the development.

A top government source said: “The coastal road plan is still at a very preliminary stage and will need some time to get clarity over the issue. In general, the progress of the entire sea link issue seems to be in utter chaos.”