The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) has announced its decision to re-tender the ambitious Ghodbunder–Bhayandar twin tunnel and elevated road project, valued at approximately ₹140 billion.
This significant move comes in the wake of legal challenges and a judicial review that scrutinised the initial bidding process, underscoring the authority’s commitment to transparency and optimal utilisation of public funds in critical urban infrastructure projects. The re-tendering signifies a renewed effort to ensure the project’s integrity and long-term sustainability, a cornerstone of creating equitable and eco-friendly urban landscapes.
The comprehensive infrastructure initiative is designed to drastically improve connectivity between the eastern and western suburbs of the Mumbai Metropolitan Region. It comprises two major components: a 5-kilometre twin tunnel, estimated at ₹80 billion, and a 9.8-kilometre elevated road bridge across Vasai Creek, budgeted at ₹60 billion. Once completed, these components are expected to substantially reduce travel time and alleviate the chronic traffic congestion that plagues this burgeoning urban corridor. The project’s re-evaluation also includes the possibility of reducing the overall base cost by approximately ₹30 billion, demonstrating a clear focus on fiscal prudence without compromising on essential features.
The initial tendering process had faced a legal challenge from engineering behemoth Larsen & Toubro (L&T), one of the prominent bidders. L&T had contested its disqualification from the technical evaluation, leading to litigation in both the Bombay High Court and, subsequently, the Supreme Court of India. The core of L&T’s challenge revolved around alleged non-compliance with a mandatory eligibility clause concerning a declaration that no bridge or barrage built by the bidder had collapsed within two years of completion. While the judiciary had upheld MMRDA’s stance on this technical disqualification, the Supreme Court expressed concerns regarding transparency and the substantial difference in bid prices, hinting at a potential stay if the tender was not re-evaluated.
In a move interpreted as prioritising broader public interest and upholding the highest standards of transparency, the MMRDA, represented by senior legal counsel, informed the Supreme Court on May 30, 2025, of its decision to withdraw the existing tenders. This action effectively nullifies all previous bids and paves the way for a fresh round of bidding. This development resonates deeply with the principle of ethical public procurement, ensuring that colossal public projects are awarded through a process that is unimpeachable and serves the best interests of the citizens. The re-tender provides an opportunity for all qualified firms, including those previously disqualified, to participate afresh, fostering healthy competition and potentially securing more cost-effective solutions.
The Thane-Bhayandar tunnel and elevated road project is not merely about enhancing vehicular movement; it represents a crucial piece of Mumbai’s evolving urban mobility puzzle. By linking key areas, it promises to facilitate smoother commutes, reduce fuel consumption, and consequently, lower carbon emissions—all vital elements in the city’s ambition to achieve zero-net carbon status. Furthermore, improved connectivity fosters economic opportunities and enhances accessibility for all residents, contributing to a more equitable urban environment. The lessons learned from the initial tendering process will undoubtedly inform the next phase, leading to a more robust and transparent selection, ensuring that this significant infrastructure undertaking proceeds with utmost integrity and delivers its promised benefits to the populace. The ultimate objective remains to build sustainable, resilient, and inclusive urban infrastructure that caters to the needs of a rapidly expanding metropolitan region.
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