BMC Grants Rs 2540 Cr Contract for Deonar Waste Cleanup
Mumbai’s long-awaited Deonar waste remediation project has reached a major milestone with the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) awarding a contract valued at Rs 2,540 crore. Navayuga Engineering Ltd, a company with a proven track record in large-scale infrastructure projects, secured the bid to treat 185 lakh tonnes of legacy waste at Deonar, Mumbai’s largest and most notorious dumping ground.
This significant project, aimed at addressing the environmental challenges posed by one of the city’s most polluted sites, will be executed at a cost higher than initially estimated by BMC. While the corporation had projected an expenditure of Rs 2,368 crore, Navayuga’s bid came in 7.29% above this estimate. Despite this increase, their offer bested competing bids from HG Infra and Re Sustainability, whose quotes were substantially higher at 11.83% and 24.8%, respectively. The per-tonne processing cost for treating the waste will rise to Rs 1,373.35, compared to the original projection of Rs 1,280. This increase underscores the complexities involved in the bioremediation of legacy waste—a process that requires scientifically sophisticated techniques to manage and neutralise decades of accumulated waste at the site.
Navayuga’s successful bid is not just a testament to its technical expertise but also highlights the importance of partnering with experienced firms for projects of this magnitude. Apart from this massive undertaking at Deonar, Navayuga is also engaged in significant infrastructure projects in Mumbai. These include the 13-kilometre elevated freeway extension from Mankhurd to Anand Nagar, awarded by MMRDA, as well as the Thane Coastal Road project, both of which reflect the company’s strong capabilities in executing large, complex urban infrastructure projects. The Deonar waste remediation project is being carried out in response to a directive from the Maharashtra state government. The state has been keen on addressing Mumbai’s severe waste management issues, especially after the approval of a proposal in October 2024 to hand over part of the Deonar land for the Dharavi Redevelopment Project. This project, a joint venture involving the Maharashtra government and private sector developers, is expected to significantly alter the landscape of the Deonar area.
In a letter dated January 2025, the state reiterated BMC’s responsibility under the Swachh Bharat Mission Rules of 2016, mandating that the municipal corporation ensure the scientific treatment and clearance of legacy waste sites such as Deonar. This aligns with the larger goal of transforming Mumbai into a cleaner, more sustainable city, where waste management plays a crucial role in urban development. The successful execution of this project will not only clear the Deonar Dumping Ground but will also contribute to the city’s broader goal of achieving zero net carbon emissions. Through the treatment of waste, the project will help reduce harmful emissions, supporting Mumbai’s ongoing efforts towards an eco-friendly, sustainable future. Furthermore, the project aligns with global sustainability initiatives by ensuring that waste is treated in a scientifically sound, environmentally responsible manner. For Mumbai, the Deonar waste remediation is more than just a cleanup effort—it is a critical step towards building a cleaner, greener, and more equitable urban space for its citizens. As the project moves forward, its successful implementation could serve as a model for other Indian cities grappling with similar waste management challenges.
This project is not just about waste; it represents a commitment to creating sustainable, pollution-free cities that are both economically and environmentally viable for future generations. With Navayuga Engineering at the helm, Mumbai’s Deonar cleanup project is poised to make a substantial impact on the city’s waste management and environmental landscape.
