The Kopri-Patni Creek Bridge project connecting Thane with Navi Mumbai has moved closer to construction after Akshaya Infra Projects Private Limited–T&T JV emerged as the successful bidder for the design and construction contract, according to a report by Loksatta. The proposed six-lane cable-stayed bridge is expected to provide a more direct route between Kopri in Thane and Patni near Airoli in Navi Mumbai.
The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) opened the financial bids for the project recently. Akshaya Infra Projects Private Limited–T&T JV was selected in the tender process, but the contract has not yet been formally awarded. MMRDA will first seek approval for the company’s bid before completing the remaining procedures and finalising the contract.
The bridge is planned to be approximately 1.4 km long and is intended to reduce the travel distance and congestion faced by motorists travelling between Thane and Navi Mumbai. At present, traffic between Kopri and Airoli is routed through existing connections, including the Kalwa bridge and the Thane-Belapur road. Travellers heading towards Digha, Patni and Airoli often have to take a longer route.
According to the report, the journey can take 30 to 40 minutes, and sometimes longer, depending on traffic conditions. The proposed crossing is intended to provide a faster connection between the two urban areas by creating a direct link across the creek.
The tender process began after MMRDA invited bids for the project’s design and construction in June. The authority opened the technical bids earlier, after which Akshaya Infra Projects Private Limited–T&T JV, HCC Limited and Speco Infrastructure submitted bids. The financial bids were subsequently opened, leading to the selection of Akshaya Infra Projects Private Limited–T&T JV as the successful bidder.
The project is part of MMRDA’s wider programme to address congestion and improve road connectivity across the Mumbai Metropolitan Region. The authority is undertaking multiple infrastructure works, including creek bridges, sea links, coastal roads, elevated roads, twin tunnels, double-decker bridges, connector roads, flyovers and metro projects.
For commuters, the immediate significance of the announcement is that the bridge has advanced beyond the initial tendering stage. However, construction activity can begin only after the bid receives approval and the contract is formally executed. The authority’s next steps are therefore approval of the selected tender, contract finalisation and completion of the procedures required to commence the project.
