The Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC) is making steady progress on the ambitious Revas–Reddi Coastal Highway (SH-4), and one of the most critical components is the Dharamtar Creek Bridge project. Located in Raigad District, the Dharamtar Creek Bridge will be a crucial link between Alibaug, Pen, and the Mumbai-Goa Highway, improving industrial, port, and passenger connectivity in the Konkan region.
The project represents a strategic move by MSRDC to strengthen coastal infrastructure, boost trade and tourism, and ease travel along Maharashtra’s western coastline.
Dharamtar Creek Bridge Project Overview
Location: Raigad District, Maharashtra
Length: Approx. 3.0 km (two-lane bridge)
Mode: EPC (Engineering, Procurement, and Construction)
Connectivity: Links Alibaug–Pen road with the Revas–Reddi Coastal Highway (SH-4)
Status: Bids opened; Afcons Infrastructure emerged as the lowest bidder
The Dharamtar Creek Bridge is expected to be a game-changer for traffic flow between the hinterland of Raigad and Mumbai. Positioned strategically near the Dharamtar Port and JNPT’s extended cargo movement belt, the bridge will also serve as a vital logistics corridor.
Contract and Tendering Details
MSRDC invited EPC bids for the Dharamtar Creek Bridge project in early 2024, as part of its package of major creek crossings on the Revas–Reddi Coastal Highway.
- Estimated Project Cost (by MSRDC): Rs. 1,050 crore (approx.)
- Bid Submission: Mid-2024
- Construction Deadline: 30 months
- Maintenance Period: 10 years under EPC obligations
Two infrastructure majors showed interest:
| Firm | Bid (Rs. Crore) |
|---|---|
| Afcons Infrastructure | 1,218.60 |
| Ashoka Buildcon | 1,279.44 |
Afcons Infrastructure emerged as the lowest bidder. Negotiations are currently underway with MSRDC to align the bid value closer to government estimates before issuing the Letter of Acceptance (LOA).
Project Scope
The Dharamtar Creek Bridge’s scope includes:
- Construction of a 3 km, two-lane bridge across Dharamtar Creek.
- Development of approach roads linking Alibaug, Pen, and NH-66 (Mumbai-Goa Highway).
- Utility shifting, drainage, and coastal protection measures.
- Maintenance for 10 years post-construction.
- Integration with SH-4 Coastal Highway, ensuring smoother flow of industrial and passenger traffic.
Importance of Dharamtar Creek Bridge
1. Port Connectivity
The bridge will significantly improve cargo movement for Dharamtar Port, JNPT, and nearby industrial hubs. Reduced travel times will enhance efficiency for container traffic moving towards Mumbai, Panvel, and Pune.
2. Boost to Tourism
Alibaug is already a popular weekend destination for Mumbai residents. The new bridge will shorten travel time, encouraging higher tourist inflows and boosting hospitality businesses across the Konkan.
3. Integration into SH-4
The bridge is a key link in the Revas–Reddi Coastal Highway, connecting multiple major creeks. Once complete, SH-4 will offer an alternative coastal route parallel to NH-66, reducing congestion and improving resilience.
4. Regional Development
Improved infrastructure will help Raigad district attract investments in logistics parks, fisheries, and coastal trade, strengthening the local economy.
Status of Other Key Bridges on SH-4
MSRDC is implementing eight major creek bridges under SH-4. Current 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
1. Cost Escalations
Like Agardanda Creek, the Dharamtar Creek bids are significantly higher than MSRDC’s estimates. Negotiations will be crucial to avoid delays.
2. Environmental Clearances
Being a coastal and estuarine region, the project requires clearances under CRZ (Coastal Regulation Zone) norms.
3. Construction Risks
Seasonal monsoons and tidal fluctuations could hamper piling and superstructure works.
4. Land Acquisition
Approach road development depends on timely land handover by local authorities.
Outlook
The Dharamtar Creek Bridge is poised to become one of the most critical coastal infrastructure assets in Maharashtra. With Afcons Infrastructure likely to secure the contract, construction is expected to begin in early 2025.
Once complete, the bridge will:
- Enhance Mumbai–Goa connectivity.
- Strengthen cargo logistics for ports.
- Boost tourism across Alibaug and Raigad.
- Become a vital component of the Revas–Reddi Highway coastal network.
InfraXpress will continue to provide updates on this landmark project as it moves closer to execution.
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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