The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has initiated the process to appoint a project management consultant (PMC) for a proposed elevated road connecting Dahisar (West) and Bhayander (West). This 4.58-kilometer corridor represents the final segment of the Mumbai Coastal Road (North) project. The consultancy contract is valued at Rs 52.5 crore, while the overall road project is estimated to cost approximately Rs 2,000 crore.
Final Link in Mumbai’s Coastal Road Network
According to BMC officials, the elevated road is planned as the concluding package of the Mumbai Coastal Road (North) project. Once completed, it is expected to provide uninterrupted connectivity from Marine Drive to Bhayander, significantly strengthening road links along Mumbai’s western coastline.
Detailed Specifications of the Elevated Corridor
The proposed corridor will be 45 meters wide and constructed under the Design & Build model. Of the total 4.58 km length, approximately 1.45 km falls within Mumbai’s municipal limits, while the remaining 3.13 km lies under the jurisdiction of the Mira-Bhayander Municipal Corporation. The project is designed to improve connectivity between Dahisar and Bhayander, easing traffic congestion in the region.
Construction Timeline and Execution
BMC has estimated a construction period of 42 months for the elevated road project, which includes monsoon seasons. The project is expected to be executed in phases under the supervision of the appointed PMC. Officials have stated that the consultant will remain associated with the project through the defect liability period as well, ensuring quality and durability.
Role of the Project Management Consultant
The PMC will be responsible for scrutinizing and approving conceptual and detailed engineering drawings. Its scope includes supervision of day-to-day construction activities, quality checks on materials and workmanship, monitoring contractual compliance, and verifying contractors’ bills. This comprehensive oversight aims to ensure timely and high-quality completion.
Proposed Consultancy Contract
BMC has proposed awarding the Rs 52.5-crore consultancy contract to a joint venture of Nippon Koei India Pvt Ltd and Kite Allied Services Pvt Ltd. The PMC will assist the civic body in project monitoring, technical reviews, and construction supervision. The appointment is subject to approval by the standing committee.
Project Origin and Alignment
The Dahisar–Bhayander elevated road was conceived following traffic studies conducted by the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) and BMC. Recommendations by the Joint Technical Committee on the Mumbai Coastal Road in 2011 also supported the proposal. The corridor is planned to extend connectivity northwards from the coastal road network.
Funding Structure Draws Questions
Questions have been raised regarding the project's funding model because a significant portion of the corridor falls outside Mumbai’s jurisdiction. RTI activist Anil Galgali has argued that adjoining civic bodies should contribute proportionately to the project cost. The issue relates to the share of expenditure to be borne by different local authorities, which remains a point of debate.
