The Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC) continues its ambitious plan to strengthen the state’s coastal infrastructure with the Kunkeshwar Creek Bridge, a vital component of the Revas–Reddi Coastal Highway (SH-4). This bridge, located in Sindhudurg district, is set to play a transformative role in improving connectivity, enhancing tourism, and facilitating trade across the Konkan coast.
As part of the eight major creek bridge projects under SH-4, the Kunkeshwar Creek Bridge will connect remote coastal towns with better road infrastructure, promoting both local economic growth and regional integration. With bids already opened and Vijay M. Mistry Construction Pvt. Ltd. emerging as the lowest bidder, the project is poised to take off once approvals and negotiations are finalized.
Project Overview
- Project Name: Kunkeshwar Creek Bridge
- Location: Sindhudurg district, Maharashtra
- Implementing Agency: MSRDC
- Highway Link: Part of the Revas–Reddi Coastal Highway (SH-4)
- Contract Mode: Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC)
- Construction Timeline: 30 months (expected)
- Maintenance Period: 10 years under EPC terms
The Kunkeshwar Creek Bridge will provide a critical road link across the creek, significantly cutting travel time between Devgad, Kunkeshwar, and Malvan, which are key centers of tourism, agriculture, and fishing in Sindhudurg.
Tendering & Bidding Status
MSRDC floated tenders for the Kunkeshwar Creek Bridge earlier in 2024 as part of its integrated approach to SH-4’s major creek crossings.
Current Status:
- Stage: Technical bids opened
- Lowest Bidder: Vijay M. Mistry Construction Pvt. Ltd.
While the official Letter of Acceptance (LOA) is yet to be issued, the progress of tendering indicates that MSRDC is moving forward with finalizing the contractor soon.
Importance of the Kunkeshwar Creek Bridge
1. Boost to Coastal Tourism
The Konkan coast, particularly Kunkeshwar, is famous for its scenic beaches and the historic Kunkeshwar Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. Improved road connectivity through the bridge will attract more tourists, making the region accessible throughout the year.
2. Support for Local Economy
Sindhudurg is known for Alphonso mangoes, fisheries, and cashew industries. The new bridge will ease transport for agricultural and seafood trade, ensuring faster access to markets in Goa, Mumbai, and Pune.
3. Part of SH-4’s Strategic Network
The Revas–Reddi Highway is being designed as a parallel coastal corridor along the Arabian Sea, running through Raigad, Ratnagiri, and Sindhudurg. The Kunkeshwar Creek Bridge is one of the eight critical creek crossings along this stretch.
4. Travel Time Reduction
At present, vehicles have to take long detours to bypass the creek. The bridge will directly connect Devgad–Kunkeshwar–Malvan, saving both time and fuel for daily commuters and commercial transporters.
Project Scope
As per MSRDC’s brief, the project will include:
- Construction of a two-lane bridge across Kunkeshwar Creek.
- Development of approach roads on both sides of the bridge.
- Integration with SH-4’s alignment for seamless travel.
- Execution under EPC mode with a 10-year maintenance period.
Status of Other SH-4 Bridges
The Kunkeshwar Creek Bridge is part of a larger package of creek bridges under SH-4. Here’s a look at the parallel progress:
| 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 |
Challenges Ahead
Like other SH-4 bridge projects, the Kunkeshwar Creek Bridge faces a few challenges:
- Environmental Clearances: Being a coastal project, multiple approvals are required under CRZ (Coastal Regulation Zone) norms.
- High Costs: Recent bids across SH-4 projects have been much higher than MSRDC’s initial estimates.
- Timeline Risks: Construction activity may be affected by heavy monsoon rains in the Konkan region.
- Land Acquisition: Approach roads may face delays if acquisition is not completed on time.
Outlook
Once awarded and initiated, the Kunkeshwar Creek Bridge will be a game-changer for Sindhudurg’s coastal economy. It will improve access to the Kunkeshwar Temple, boost tourism, aid local trade, and strengthen the overall Revas–Reddi Highway corridor.
By 2027, if timelines are maintained, the Kunkeshwar Creek Bridge will stand as a symbol of MSRDC’s commitment to modernizing Maharashtra’s coastal infrastructure.
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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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