The Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC) is pushing ahead with the ambitious Revas–Reddi Coastal Highway (SH-4) by progressing towards the construction of the Jaigad Creek Bridge in Ratnagiri District. This strategic bridge is part of the eight major creek bridges planned along the Konkan coast and is set to transform connectivity between towns, ports, and tourism hubs of Ratnagiri.
Currently, MSRDC has completed the technical bid stage, with Ashoka Buildcon emerging as the lowest bidder for the project. The Jaigad Creek Bridge is seen as a crucial link that will integrate industrial growth, port connectivity, and coastal tourism in Maharashtra.
Project Overview: Jaigad Creek Bridge
- Bridge Name: Jaigad Creek Bridge
- Location: Ratnagiri District, Konkan Coast (Jaigad – Jaitapur stretch)
- Length: Approx. 2.8 km (2-lane bridge)
- Project Type: Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) mode
- Estimated Cost: Around Rs. 700–750 crore (as per MSRDC’s DPR)
- Construction Timeline: 30 months from award of contract
- Maintenance Period: 10 years (post-construction, by contractor)
- Current Status: Technical bid opened; Ashoka Buildcon is lowest bidder
The bridge will form a direct link across Jaigad Creek, reducing detours and cutting down travel time between Jaigad, Ganpatipule, Ratnagiri city, and Jaitapur.
Strategic Importance of Jaigad Creek Bridge
1. Boosting Industrial & Port Connectivity
Jaigad is home to JSW Jaigarh Port, one of Maharashtra’s key private ports handling bulk cargo, coal, and LNG. The bridge will drastically improve cargo movement and last-mile logistics, enhancing competitiveness for industries located in Ratnagiri and beyond.
2. Enhancing Tourism Potential
The Ratnagiri coast boasts attractions like Ganpatipule Temple, Jaigad Fort, beaches, and heritage sites. With the new bridge, accessibility for tourists will improve, supporting local homestays, hotels, and fisheries-based tourism.
3. Strengthening the SH-4 Corridor
The Revas–Reddi Coastal Highway (SH-4) is a 470 km long project spanning Raigad, Ratnagiri, and Sindhudurg. The Jaigad Creek Bridge will be one of the most critical links on this stretch, ensuring uninterrupted movement across natural creek barriers.
4. Travel Time Reduction
Currently, vehicles have to take longer routes around the creek. With the new bridge, travel time between Ratnagiri city and Jaitapur will reduce by nearly 1.5 hours, making commuting faster and safer.
Tender & Bidding Details
MSRDC invited tenders for the Jaigad Creek Bridge in early 2024 under EPC mode. Key details:
- Estimated Cost: Approx. Rs. 700–750 crore
- Timeline: 30 months + 10-year maintenance
- Bidder Participation: Multiple infrastructure majors participated
- Lowest Bidder: Ashoka Buildcon, a leading infra company with a track record in highways and bridge projects
MSRDC is expected to issue the Letter of Acceptance (LOA) once financial approvals are completed, paving the way for construction to begin in early 2025.
Challenges Ahead
While the Jaigad Creek Bridge promises significant benefits, there are challenges that could impact execution:
- Cost Escalations: Similar to Agardanda Creek, bids are expected to be higher than MSRDC’s estimate, requiring negotiations.
- Environmental Clearances: Being part of the Konkan coastal belt, the project must comply with CRZ (Coastal Regulation Zone) norms.
- Monsoon Impact: Heavy monsoon rains in Ratnagiri could delay piling, foundation, and marine works.
- Land Acquisition: Approach road development may face delays if land-related issues arise.
Status of Other SH-4 Bridge Projects
The Revas–Reddi Highway involves the construction of eight major creek bridges. Here’s how they stand:
| 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 |
This table highlights how Jaigad is one of the key upcoming tenders, with Ashoka Buildcon poised for award.
Economic & Social Impact
The Jaigad Creek Bridge will play a central role in Konkan’s development:
- Trade & Industry: Improved port connectivity will benefit JSW Energy, LNG terminals, and allied industries.
- Employment: Construction and post-operation will generate jobs for locals.
- Tourism Growth: Ganpatipule and Ratnagiri will see higher tourist inflows.
- Fisheries & Coastal Villages: Better road links will support fisheries trade and local markets.
Outlook
The Jaigad Creek Bridge project is another leap forward in MSRDC’s vision for a world-class coastal highway. With Ashoka Buildcon likely to secure the project, construction could begin in early 2025, with completion targeted by 2027–28.
Once operational, the bridge will cut travel times, improve cargo movement, and open new opportunities for the Konkan economy. Together with other creek bridges, Jaigad will form an integral part of the SH-4 connectivity dream, bringing Maharashtra’s Konkan coast closer than ever.
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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