The Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC) has officially awarded the contract for the Kundalika Creek Bridge (Revdanda–Salav) to Ashoka Buildcon Limited, marking another crucial step in the implementation of the Revas–Reddi Coastal Highway (SH-4).
This project is a key part of Maharashtra’s plan to boost connectivity, trade, and tourism across the Konkan coastline, bridging the gap between Raigad and Sindhudurg districts through a series of eight major creek bridges.
Kundalika Creek Bridge Contract Award & Project Cost
On July 9, 2024, MSRDC issued the Letter of Award (LoA) to Ashoka Buildcon for the Kundalika Creek Bridge project.
- Estimated Cost by MSRDC: ₹1,061.67 crore
- Lowest Bidder: Ashoka Buildcon – ₹1,357.87 crore (+27.9% above estimate)
- Other Bidder: Hindustan Construction Company (HCC) – ₹1,422.64 crore
- Final Negotiated Value: Approx. ₹1,284 crore
- Contract Mode: EPC (Engineering, Procurement & Construction)
- Construction Timeline: 36 months
- Maintenance Period: 5 years post-completion
Kundalika Creek Bridge Project Overview
- Location: Raigad District (Revdanda–Salav)
- Length: 3.829 km including approaches
- Lanes: 2-lane bridge across Kundalika Creek
- Integration: Forms part of the Revas–Reddi Coastal Highway (SH-4)
- Connectivity: Will link Revdanda and Salav, improving access to Alibaug, Murud, Shrivardhan, and coastal Konkan towns.
The bridge will not only cut travel time across the creek but will also serve as a vital logistical link for industries, ports, and tourism hotspots along the Konkan belt.
Tendering Process
MSRDC invited bids for the project in March 2024. Two major infrastructure players submitted bids:
| Firm | Bid Value (₹ Cr) |
|---|---|
| Ashoka Buildcon | 1,357.87 |
| Hindustan Construction Co | 1,422.64 |
Ashoka Buildcon emerged as the L1 bidder despite the bids being significantly higher than the project’s estimated cost. After detailed negotiations, the contract value was reduced to approx. ₹1,284 crore, making the project financially viable for MSRDC.
Scope of Work
According to MSRDC’s project brief, the scope includes:
- Construction of a 3.829 km, two-lane bridge across Kundalika Creek.
- Development of approach roads connecting Revdanda (Murud taluka) to Salav (Mhasala taluka).
- Implementation under EPC mode with a 5-year maintenance period.
- Seamless integration into the Revas–Reddi Highway (SH-4) corridor.
Importance of the Kundalika Creek Bridge
Boost to Coastal Connectivity
The bridge will eliminate the need for long detours or ferry services, significantly reducing travel time between Revdanda, Salav, Murud, and Alibaug.
Economic Growth
Improved connectivity will aid fisheries, coastal trade, and industrial transport, while also supporting Dighi Port and other logistics hubs in Raigad district.
Tourism Development
The region, known for Revdanda Fort, Murud-Janjira Fort, and Konkan beaches, will benefit from improved road infrastructure, boosting tourism revenue.
Regional Integration
The Kundalika Creek Bridge is one of the eight major bridges on SH-4, helping integrate Raigad, Ratnagiri, and Sindhudurg into a continuous coastal corridor.
Kundalika River: The Context
The Kundalika River originates in the Sahyadri hills at Bhira, flows through Kolad, Roha, and Salav, and meets the Arabian Sea at Revdanda.
- Known for white-water rafting in Kolad.
- Supports fishing and agriculture-based livelihoods.
- Faces challenges due to industrial effluents and ecological stress.
The bridge project must therefore navigate environmental clearances, ensuring that marine ecosystems and river health are protected during and after construction.
Status of Other Key SH-4 Bridges
| 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
- Cost Escalation: Bids nearly 30% higher than MSRDC’s estimate.
- Environmental Clearances: Sensitive creek and mangrove ecosystems.
- Monsoon Delays: Heavy rains may impact construction schedules.
- Land Acquisition: Approach road development may face delays.
Outlook
With the contract awarded, construction on the Kundalika Creek Bridge is expected to begin in early 2025, with a targeted completion timeline of 36 months (2028).
Upon completion, the bridge will:
- Cut down travel time between Revdanda and Salav.
- Enhance Konkan’s road network and integrate with SH-4.
- Drive economic activity in Raigad, Ratnagiri, and Sindhudurg districts.
The Kundalika Creek Bridge stands as a cornerstone of Maharashtra’s coastal highway vision, promising a mix of engineering excellence, regional growth, and enhanced connectivity.
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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