The much-awaited commissioning of the Bandra-Worli sealink has been postponed once again. This time, it seems to be waiting for the new prime minister to unveil its plaque. Instead of May 1, the foundation day of Maharashtra, the sealink will be opened to public only after June 2, 2009, the deadline for the ongoing code of conduct for general elections. “We will have to commission it only after June 2,’’ said PWD minister and Maharashtra State Road Development C o r p o r at i o n (MSRDC) chairman Dr Vimal Mundada who preferred to smile when asked whether the new PM will inaugurate the sealink. This is for the fifth time that the date of opening is being advanced. According to MSRDC sources, the administration could not anticipate that the code of conduct would continue till June 2 and went ahead with the announcement of its opening on May 1. MSRDC officials said the code of conduct has come as a shot-in-the-arm as elaborate checks and tests could be conducted before the date of commissioning. When asked whether the structure would be ready by May 1, the officials closely monitoring the project said though the structure would be ready, finishing touches like painting, beautification, and illumination will take 15-days’ time. “We hope to ready it by May 15 after proper tests,’’ an MSRDC official revealed. “The selection of an agency for toll collection will take place soon. Similarly, works like installation of security system, CCTVs, railings and a few other aspects need enough time,’’ MSRDC sources said. When asked about the reports of over Rs 1 crore late fees being imposed on the construction company—HCC—for delaying the work, the MSRDC officials denied any such move.
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