The Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC) has reached a critical stage in its ambitious Revas-Reddi Coastal Highway initiative with the bid opening for the Bankot Creek Bridge project, a strategically important link designed to enhance connectivity along the state’s western coastline. Ashoka Buildcon Ltd. has emerged as the sole bidder for this project, valued at an estimated ₹272.88 crore, positioning itself as a key contender in shaping Maharashtra’s future coastal infrastructure.
Related: Latest News for National Highways
The proposed 1.7 km Bankot Creek Bridge will connect Bankot in Ratnagiri district with Bagmandla in Raigad district, spanning the Savitri River. Once completed, the bridge will become an essential part of the Revas-Reddi Coastal Highway (State Highway 4 – SH-4), a corridor that runs parallel to the Arabian Sea. This development is expected to not only reduce travel times but also catalyze economic growth, tourism, and inter-district connectivity along Maharashtra’s scenic yet underdeveloped coastal belt.
External Reference: MSRDC Official Projects Page
Bankot Creek Bridge : A Long-Standing Demand
The Konkan region, stretching across Raigad, Ratnagiri, and Sindhudurg districts, has long been constrained by geographical barriers such as rivers, creeks, and hilly terrain. While the Mumbai-Goa Highway (NH-66) serves as a major north-south arterial road, it remains heavily congested and plagued by delays.
The Revas-Reddi Coastal Highway (SH-4), envisioned by MSRDC, aims to provide an alternate parallel corridor running close to the Arabian Sea. The project involves building multiple major creek bridges to seamlessly connect towns and villages currently dependent on long detours or ferry services.
The Bankot Creek Bridge, situated at a critical junction, has been identified as one of the most challenging yet rewarding links in this corridor. Bankot is historically known as a trade and maritime hub, while Bagmandla serves as a gateway to Harihareshwar, Diveagar, and Shrivardhan — areas of cultural and tourism significance.
Project Overview
| Project Component | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Bankot Creek, SH-4, Maharashtra |
| Districts Covered | Ratnagiri & Raigad |
| River Spanned | Savitri River |
| Bridge Length | 1.7 km |
| Mode | EPC (Engineering, Procurement, Construction) |
| Estimated Cost | ₹272.88 crore |
| Sole Bidder | Ashoka Buildcon Ltd. |
| Project Timeline | 3 years |
The bridge will be constructed under the EPC mode, which places the responsibility for design, procurement, and construction with the contractor. Once awarded, the selected contractor is expected to complete the project within 36 months.
Tendering Journey: From Setback to Sole Bidder
The tendering process for the Bankot Creek Bridge has been anything but straightforward.
In July 2024, MSRDC received four bids for the project. NCC Ltd. emerged as the lowest bidder at ₹355.99 crore. However, this amount was 30.45% higher than MSRDC’s estimated cost of ₹272.88 crore, prompting the state corporation to cancel the tender.
Subsequently, a fresh round of bidding was invited in August 2024, with the hope of securing competitive pricing. Interestingly, in the re-tendering, Ashoka Buildcon Ltd. has now emerged as the sole bidder.
External Reference: Ashoka Buildcon Official Website
Significance of the Bankot Creek Bridge
The Bankot Creek Bridge is more than just a local infrastructure project; it holds wide-ranging significance:
- Regional Connectivity: Faster travel between Raigad & Ratnagiri districts, providing an alternate coastal route to NH-66.
- Tourism Boost: Improved access to Harihareshwar, Shrivardhan & Diveagar.
- Economic Growth: Faster transport for perishable goods, aiding farmers & fishermen.
- Disaster Resilience: Year-round connectivity despite monsoons, unlike ferry routes.
Key Bridges on the Revas-Reddi Coastal Highway
(SH-4)
| Bridge | Location | Status | Lowest Bidder |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dharamtar Creek | Raigad | Bids Opened | Afcons Infrastructure Click Here for Details |
| Agardanda Creek | Raigad | Awarded (LOA Issued) | Hindustan Construction Co. (HCC) Click Here for Details |
| Jaigad Creek | Ratnagiri | Technical Bids Opened | Ashoka Buildcon Click Here for Details |
| Kundalika Creek | Raigad | Technical Bids Opened | Ashoka Buildcon Click Here for Details |
| Kunkeshwar Creek | Sindhudurg | Technical Bids Opened | Vijay M. Mistry Construction Click Here for Details |
| Kalbadevi Creek | Sindhudurg | Technical Bids Opened | Vijay M. Mistry Construction Click Here for Details |
| Bankot Creek | Ratnagiri-Raigad | Sole Bidder | Ashoka Buildcon Click Here for Details |
| Dabhol Creek | Ratnagiri | Tender Cancelled | N/A |
Financial Context
| Tender Details | Value (₹ Crore) | Remarks |
|---|---|---|
| MSRDC’s Estimate | 272.88 | Estimated cost |
| Previous Lowest Bid (NCC) | 355.99 | 30.45% higher |
| Current Bid (Ashoka Buildcon) | TBD | To be evaluated |
The gap highlights rising construction costs, including inflation in raw materials & labour.
Challenges Ahead
- Sole bidder concern limits MSRDC’s bargaining power.
- Possible cost escalation compared to estimate.
- Environmental clearances critical due to coastal sensitivity.
- Construction challenges with tidal flows, saline conditions & heavy monsoons.
Outlook & Next Steps
If approved, work may commence by late 2024, with completion expected in 2027. Otherwise, delays may continue with another tender cycle.
This bridge will be a game-changer for coastal Maharashtra, improving trade, tourism & connectivity.
Related: Indian Road & Highway Projects 2025
Internal Links
- Dharamtar Creek Bridge – Afcons Emerges Lowest Bidder
- Agardanda Creek Bridge – Awarded to HCC
- Jaigad Creek Bridge Project Update
- Kundalika Creek Bridge – SH-4 Progress
- Kunkeshwar Creek Bridge Project
- Kalbadevi Creek Bridge Project
- Bankot Creek Bridge Project
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