MMRDA To Re-Tender Rs 140 Billion Tunnel-Road Project
ROADS & HIGHWAYS

MMRDA To Re-Tender Rs 140 Billion Tunnel-Road Project

The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) has announced it will re-tender the Ghodbunder–Bhayandar twin tunnel and elevated road project, with a fresh bidding process to be launched following legal challenges and cost concerns. The MMRDA informed the Supreme Court of India about this decision on 30 May.

The agency is also evaluating the possibility of reducing the overall base project cost by approximately Rs 30 billion to ensure optimal utilisation of public funds.

The infrastructure initiative comprises two major components: a 5-kilometre twin tunnel with a diameter of 14.6 metres, estimated at Rs 80 billion, and a 9.8-kilometre elevated road bridge across Vasai Creek connecting Bhayandar and Ghodbunder Road, budgeted at Rs 60 billion. Once completed, the projects will significantly reduce travel time and enhance connectivity between the eastern and western suburbs of the Mumbai Metropolitan Region.

Engineering firm Larsen & Toubro (L&T), one of the initial bidders, had challenged the tendering process in both the Bombay High Court and the Supreme Court through a Special Leave Petition (SLP). L&T sought several interim and final reliefs, including restraining MMRDA from opening or disclosing financial bids and issuing the Letter of Award.

However, the Supreme Court did not grant L&T’s requested relief. According to MMRDA, L&T was disqualified from the tender process due to non-compliance with a mandatory eligibility clause. This clause required a declaration that no bridge or barrage built by the bidder had collapsed within two years of completion. L&T’s failure to satisfy this condition rendered its bid ineligible and disqualified from financial consideration.

Despite the judiciary upholding MMRDA’s position at both the High Court and Supreme Court levels, the authority—represented by Senior Counsel Mukul Rohatgi and Solicitor General Tushar Mehta—opted to withdraw the tenders in the larger interest of transparency and public good. A new round of bidding will now commence for the Rs 140 billion infrastructure undertaking.

The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) has announced it will re-tender the Ghodbunder–Bhayandar twin tunnel and elevated road project, with a fresh bidding process to be launched following legal challenges and cost concerns. The MMRDA informed the Supreme Court of India about this decision on 30 May.The agency is also evaluating the possibility of reducing the overall base project cost by approximately Rs 30 billion to ensure optimal utilisation of public funds.The infrastructure initiative comprises two major components: a 5-kilometre twin tunnel with a diameter of 14.6 metres, estimated at Rs 80 billion, and a 9.8-kilometre elevated road bridge across Vasai Creek connecting Bhayandar and Ghodbunder Road, budgeted at Rs 60 billion. Once completed, the projects will significantly reduce travel time and enhance connectivity between the eastern and western suburbs of the Mumbai Metropolitan Region.Engineering firm Larsen & Toubro (L&T), one of the initial bidders, had challenged the tendering process in both the Bombay High Court and the Supreme Court through a Special Leave Petition (SLP). L&T sought several interim and final reliefs, including restraining MMRDA from opening or disclosing financial bids and issuing the Letter of Award.However, the Supreme Court did not grant L&T’s requested relief. According to MMRDA, L&T was disqualified from the tender process due to non-compliance with a mandatory eligibility clause. This clause required a declaration that no bridge or barrage built by the bidder had collapsed within two years of completion. L&T’s failure to satisfy this condition rendered its bid ineligible and disqualified from financial consideration.Despite the judiciary upholding MMRDA’s position at both the High Court and Supreme Court levels, the authority—represented by Senior Counsel Mukul Rohatgi and Solicitor General Tushar Mehta—opted to withdraw the tenders in the larger interest of transparency and public good. A new round of bidding will now commence for the Rs 140 billion infrastructure undertaking.

Next Story
Infrastructure Urban

InsideFPV Delivers ₹10 Crore Kamikaze Drone Order Under MoD’s EPR Route

InsideFPV, a Surat-based drone technology manufacturer, has successfully executed a ₹10 crore defence contract to supply indigenous kamikaze drones under the Ministry of Defence’s Emergency Procurement Route (EPR). The company completed the delivery of hundreds of FPV kamikaze drone platforms within a rapid two-month timeframe, highlighting its ability to meet urgent military procurement timelines.The supply orders were fulfilled under the emergency procurement mechanism, which is aimed at fast-tracking acquisitions for immediate operational needs. InsideFPV’s quick execution reflects it..

Next Story
Infrastructure Energy

Vedanta Resources Secures Fitch Upgrade to ‘BB-’, Best Rating Since 2015

Vedanta Resources Limited (VRL), a global player in metals, oil & gas, critical minerals, power and technology, has received a credit rating upgrade from Fitch Ratings, marking its strongest bond rating in over a decade.Fitch has raised Vedanta Resources’ Long-Term Foreign-Currency Issuer Default Rating (IDR) to ‘BB-’ from ‘B+’, while maintaining a Stable Outlook. The agency also upgraded VRL’s senior unsecured rating, along with the ratings of US dollar-denominated bonds issued by Vedanta Resources Finance II Plc and guaranteed by VRL, to ‘BB-’.The upgrade represents Vedan..

Next Story
Real Estate

NAREDCO NextGen NCR Chapter Launched

The NAREDCO NextGen NCR Chapter was recently launched at Excelerate 2026 in Mumbai, marking a key step towards integrating emerging real estate leaders from the National Capital Region with the national platform. The initiative aims to promote sustainable and responsible urban development through collaboration and knowledge exchange.The event brought together young developers, entrepreneurs, and professionals from across NCR, including Noida, Gurugram, Ghaziabad, Faridabad, Bhiwadi, and Meerut. Discussions focused on urban development, finance, sustainability, innovation, and policy, emphasisi..

Advertisement

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Get daily newsletters around different themes from Construction world.

STAY CONNECTED

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement