28.2.14

Bandra-Versova sealink update

Work on the Bandra-Versova Sea Link is expected to start soon with the government deciding to invite bids before the code of the conduct for the general elections comes into effect in the next couple of weeks.
The 10-km BVSL is a northward extension of the Bandra-Worli Sea Link, both part of the Western Freeway project that will originate from Nariman Point. It received environmental approval in January 2013 and the cabinet sub-committee on infrastructure cleared invitation of tenders on January 14, 2014.
“We may float the tenders in two to three days. It will take almost five years to complete the project, which will be built on the PPP (public-private partnership) basis at an estimated cost of Rs 4,300 crore,” said a senior Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation official.
The eight-lane sea link with dispersal points at Joggers Park and Juhu Koliwada will be built 900 metres into the sea. It was proposed as Western Express Highway and S V Road between Bandra and Versova are saturated and it takes at least 75-80 minutes to travel the 10 km at present.
Nearly 50% of the traffic going towards south Mumbai originates in suburbs north of Bandra. With BVSL, most of this traffic can avoid the congested city roads.
The concession period for the tolled project, in the pipeline for four years, is 35 years and the toll rates may be between Rs 150 to Rs 200.
“The opening of this corridor can help save 45 minutes for traffic from Versova up to south Mumbai, besides saving fuel and pollution,” said the senior official.

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