The Bombay High Court directed the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) to delay opening financial bids for the Thane-Ghodbunder to Bhayandar tunnel and elevated road project until Thursday. This followed a plea by construction firm Larsen & Toubro (L&T), which claimed it was not informed about the status of its bid while others were.

The project, estimated to cost Rs six hundred billion, includes a 9.8 kilometre elevated road over Vasai Creek and is set to be the second longest such structure after the Atal Setu. It is planned as an extension of the Mumbai Coastal Road Project.

L&T submitted technical and financial bids on 30 December 2024. While the technical bids were opened on 1 January 2025, L&T alleged it received no communication on the outcome or its eligibility.

MMRDA stated that only eligible bidders are notified after technical evaluation, arguing that stalling infrastructure projects is against public interest. The court requested the authority to provide written communication to L&T, aiming to resolve the issue swiftly.

The matter was adjourned to Thursday, with the court emphasising that the project is not being halted, only the opening of bids paused.

Source:Free Press Journal