The Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC) continues to advance the ambitious Revas–Reddi Coastal Highway (SH-4), a flagship project aimed at transforming road connectivity along Maharashtra’s Konkan coastline. Among the eight major creek crossings planned on this corridor, the Kalbadevi Creek Bridge in Sindhudurg district is one of the most strategically significant projects.
Designed to connect Kunkeshwar and Achara regions, the Kalbadevi Creek Bridge will not only reduce travel time across coastal towns but also provide a boost to local industries, trade, and tourism in the southern Konkan belt.
Project Overview
- Project Name: Kalbadevi Creek Bridge
- Highway: Revas–Reddi Coastal Highway (SH-4)
- Location: Sindhudurg District, Maharashtra
- Type: EPC (Engineering, Procurement & Construction) Contract
- Estimated Length: ~2.5 km bridge across Kalbadevi Creek
- Status: Technical Bids Opened (Vijay M. Mistry Construction – Lowest Bidder)
- Mode: EPC with 10-year maintenance period
The Kalbadevi Creek Bridge is designed as a two-lane bridge with approach roads on either side. Once completed, it will be a vital link in the SH-4 corridor, connecting smaller fishing villages and towns to major trade hubs along the Konkan coast.
Contract and Tender Details
MSRDC floated tenders for the Kalbadevi Creek Bridge project in early 2024 under the EPC mode. The estimated project cost has not been disclosed officially, but it falls in line with other creek bridge projects in SH-4, ranging between ₹700 crore and ₹1,200 crore.
- Bidding Firms:
- Vijay M. Mistry Construction (Lowest Bidder)
- Other interested EPC players (yet to be disclosed by MSRDC)
With Vijay M. Mistry Construction emerging as the lowest bidder, the contract is likely to be awarded soon, subject to financial closure and final negotiations.
Scope of Work
According to MSRDC’s tender documents, the Kalbadevi Creek Bridge project will include:
- Construction of a 2.5 km long two-lane bridge across Kalbadevi Creek.
- Development of approach roads linking coastal villages on both ends.
- Integration with SH-4, ensuring seamless connectivity with nearby projects.
- 10 years of operation & maintenance, ensuring durability.
- Use of modern bridge engineering technologies suited for marine environments.
Importance of the Kalbadevi Creek Bridge
1. Coastal Highway Integration
The bridge will form a critical part of the SH-4 Coastal Highway, which runs parallel to the Arabian Sea, connecting Revas (Raigad) to Reddi (Sindhudurg).
2. Boost to Tourism
Sindhudurg is home to some of Maharashtra’s most beautiful beaches like Kunkeshwar, Tarkarli, Devgad, and Achara. Improved road access through Kalbadevi Creek Bridge will open new avenues for tourism growth.
3. Economic Development
The bridge will ease transport for fisheries, agriculture, and small-scale industries, strengthening Sindhudurg’s economy.
4. Reduced Travel Time
Currently, locals depend on longer detours and ferries to cross creeks. With the Kalbadevi Creek Bridge, travel between Kunkeshwar, Achara, and Malvan will be faster and more reliable.
Challenges Ahead
Like other SH-4 creek bridge projects, the Kalbadevi Creek Bridge faces challenges:
- High Bidding Costs – Tenders have been opening at significantly higher rates than MSRDC’s cost estimates.
- Environmental Clearances – Being in an ecologically sensitive coastal area, multiple clearances will be required.
- Construction Risks – Monsoons, marine conditions, and land acquisition issues may delay timelines.
Status of Other Key Bridges on SH-4
MSRDC is executing multiple creek crossings as part of SH-4. Here’s the current 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 |
Outlook
Once awarded, the Kalbadevi Creek Bridge is expected to begin construction in early 2025, with a 30-month completion deadline.
Upon completion, the bridge will:
- Transform Sindhudurg’s connectivity within Konkan.
- Enhance tourism potential of the southern Konkan belt.
- Provide a critical coastal link as part of the Revas–Reddi Highway.
The Kalbadevi Creek Bridge will not only be a feat of engineering but also a symbol of Maharashtra’s commitment to coastal infrastructure growth.
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