The Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC) has officially awarded the contract for the Agardanda Creek Bridge to Hindustan Construction Company (HCC) after successful negotiations. This marks a significant milestone in the development of the Revas–Reddi Coastal Highway (SH-4), a key infrastructure project aimed at enhancing connectivity along the Arabian Sea coast.
On October 14, 2024, MSRDC issued the Letter of Acceptance (LOA) to HCC for a contract valued at Rs. 1031.6 crore, confirming the construction of this ambitious bridge project in Raigad District.
Agardanda Creek Bridge Project Overview
The Agardanda Creek Bridge is a 4.3 km long, 2-lane bridge planned across the creek between Tokekhar (Murud Taluka) and Turumbadi (Mhasala Taluka) in Raigad District. Situated just east of Adani Ports & SEZ’s Dighi Port, the bridge will serve as a vital link for industrial, commercial, and passenger traffic in the Konkan region.
The project was approved by the Maharashtra Government’s Cabinet in January 2024 and forms a crucial component of the Revas–Reddi Coastal Highway (SH-4), which aims to connect several coastal towns across Raigad, Ratnagiri, and Sindhudurg districts.
Read about MSRDC’s other coastal bridge projects here.
Contract Details
MSRDC invited bids for the Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) contract in January 2024. The tender carried an estimated cost of Rs. 809.89 crore, with a 30-month construction deadline and an additional 10-year maintenance period.
Two major players submitted bids for the project:
| Firm | Bid (Rs. Crore) |
|---|---|
| HCC | 1187.76 |
| Afcons Infrastructure | 1249.42 |
HCC’s bid was the lowest at Rs. 1187.76 crore, though still 46.65% higher than MSRDC’s estimate. Afcons Infrastructure, the other bidder, quoted Rs. 1249.42 crore.
Despite the significant cost escalation, MSRDC opted to proceed with HCC after extensive negotiations, finally settling on a contract value of Rs. 1031.6 crore.
Project Scope
According to MSRDC’s official brief, the project involves:
- Construction of a 4.3 km, two-lane bridge across Agardanda Creek.
- Development of approach roads connecting Tokekhar (Murud Taluka) and Turumbadi (Mhasala Taluka).
- Implementation under EPC mode, with a maintenance period of 10 years.
- Integration with the broader Revas–Reddi Coastal Highway (SH-4) network.
Explore other EPC infrastructure projects in Maharashtra.
Importance of the Agardanda Creek Bridge
- Boost to Port Connectivity:
The bridge’s location, close to Dighi Port, will significantly improve logistics and cargo transport, helping industries around Raigad and Konkan. - Economic Growth:
Improved road infrastructure will facilitate tourism, fisheries, and coastal trade, boosting the local economy. - Part of SH-4 Development:
The bridge is one of the eight major bridges planned along the Revas–Reddi Highway, a corridor running parallel to the Arabian Sea. - Travel Time Reduction:
Once operational, the bridge will cut down travel times between Murud, Shrivardhan, Harihareshwar, and other Konkan towns.
Learn about the Bankot Creek Bridge project here.
Status of Other Key Bridges on SH-4
MSRDC is simultaneously working on multiple creek bridges along the Revas–Reddi Highway. Here’s a snapshot:
| 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 |
Full details on SH-4 bridge projects.
Challenges Ahead
- High Project Costs: With bids significantly above MSRDC’s estimates, budgetary challenges could delay progress.
- Environmental Clearances: The project passes through sensitive coastal areas requiring multiple approvals.
- Timeline Risks: The 30-month deadline may face delays due to monsoons and land acquisition issues.
Outlook
With the LOA awarded to HCC, construction is expected to begin by early 2025. The 4.3 km Agardanda Creek Bridge will play a pivotal role in the Konkan region’s development, boosting trade, tourism, and inter-district connectivity.
Once completed, the bridge will not only reduce travel times but also form a critical part of the Revas–Reddi Highway’s coastal connectivity dream.
For real-time updates on this project and other infrastructure developments, keep following InfraXpress.
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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