Bandra-Worli Sea link’s 2nd stretch may face delay

The 4.7-km stretch of Bandra-Worli Sea Link may be providing some respite to thousands of motorists plying on it. But even before the laying of a single brick, it seems like the next stretch of the sea link, taking it up to Haji Ali, is in for delays.

While the official version seems to be that the delays are mainly due to the environmental clearance to the connector in Haji Ali, sources have told DNA that the consortium constructing the sea link has not been able to close in on their financial needs.

The next phase of the sea link from Worli to Haji Ali is to be constructed on a private-public partnership basis and the Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC) had awarded the contract to the consortium of Reliance Infrastructure and Hyundai Engineering more than two years back.

A senior official of the corporation confirmed that the consortium is likely to ask for an extension of three months to declare their financial preparedness.

“The banks which are to lend money to the consortium have been asking for all the clearances on paper. However, we are yet to get the final nod for the Worli connector from the central government (Ministry of Environment and Forests). Since this is going to take some time, the consortium is likely to be given an extension of three months for declaring financial preparedness,” said the official.

However, sources in the corporation have told DNA that though, on the face of it, the environmental clearance has been given as a reason, the real cause of delay is because the consortium has not been able to raise the required funds.

“There has been no progress over the final designs. This can only be done after the financial soundness is declared. It is ironic that it is going to cause delays,” said a source.

When asked about the development, a Reliance Infrastructure spokesperson confirmed that an extension has been asked for.

“There are various project prerequisites being worked out between MSRDC and Reliance. The project prerequisites are extremely critical for commencement of the project as well as for its successful implementation. RInfra has completed all necessary activities with the project lenders and they are ready to fund the project in its entirety. The extension of time has been sought in consultation with MSRDC,” said the spokesperson.

The consortium needs to pay Rs1,634 crore to MSRDC and buy out the existing sea link. Once that is done, the consortium will construct and maintain the stretch between Bandra and Haji Ali for a period of minimum 40 years.