Project cost for Versova-Bandra Sealink jumps by 60% to Rs 113.33 bn
ROADS & HIGHWAYS

Project cost for Versova-Bandra Sealink jumps by 60% to Rs 113.33 bn

Versova Bandra Sealink, the state government of Maharashtra's flagship project, now costs an astounding Rs 113.33 billion, up from Rs 69.93 billion in 2019. The project has made relatively little progress despite a massive cost overrun of over Rs 43 billion over the past four years. Many parties have contested the project's environmental clearance, which has caused legal tangles for the project. The Supreme Court has now been involved in the case.

The 17.7 kilometre long, Rs 70 billion project was supposed to be finished in 2023. The project's deadline has now been pushed back to December 2026 by the Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC), the project's nodal organisation. In 2019, Reliance Infrastructure Ltd. and the Italian company Astaldi formed a consortium to win the VBS project following a tendering process. L&T and ITD Cementation were L2 and L3, with costs of Rs 76 billion and Rs 73 billion respectively. Reliance-Astanali JV was the L1 with a project cost of Rs 69 billion.

Reliance Infra sold its interests to Astaldi in 2021, and APPCO, a business with headquarters in Uttar Pradesh, joined Astaldi as a new JV partner on the project. In February 2017, the Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC) received Environment Clearance (EC) from the State Environment Impact Assessment Authority (SEIAA). The NGT’s Western Bench rejected the plea in August 2022 after Juhu Moragaon Machhimar Vividh Karyakari Sahkari Sanstha (JMMVKSS), a fish workers society in Juhu, objected to the EC given to the sealink.

Following that, the case was brought before the High Court, which also dismissed the petition. Thereafter, a different petitioner submitted a comparable petition contesting the EC given to the project in the NGT. In opposition to the NGT taking up the same issue, which has already been resolved by the High Court and the NGT's Western Bench, the MSRDC has now filed a petition with the Supreme Court. The project’s cost has increased to Rs 113.33 billion as a result of the excessive delay, according to Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, who also mentioned the MSRDC’s request for an urgent hearing in the Supreme Court.

Redefine the future of urban mobility! Join us at the Metro Rail Conference 2025 to explore groundbreaking ideas and insights. 👉 Register today!

Versova Bandra Sealink, the state government of Maharashtra's flagship project, now costs an astounding Rs 113.33 billion, up from Rs 69.93 billion in 2019. The project has made relatively little progress despite a massive cost overrun of over Rs 43 billion over the past four years. Many parties have contested the project's environmental clearance, which has caused legal tangles for the project. The Supreme Court has now been involved in the case. The 17.7 kilometre long, Rs 70 billion project was supposed to be finished in 2023. The project's deadline has now been pushed back to December 2026 by the Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC), the project's nodal organisation. In 2019, Reliance Infrastructure Ltd. and the Italian company Astaldi formed a consortium to win the VBS project following a tendering process. L&T and ITD Cementation were L2 and L3, with costs of Rs 76 billion and Rs 73 billion respectively. Reliance-Astanali JV was the L1 with a project cost of Rs 69 billion. Reliance Infra sold its interests to Astaldi in 2021, and APPCO, a business with headquarters in Uttar Pradesh, joined Astaldi as a new JV partner on the project. In February 2017, the Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC) received Environment Clearance (EC) from the State Environment Impact Assessment Authority (SEIAA). The NGT’s Western Bench rejected the plea in August 2022 after Juhu Moragaon Machhimar Vividh Karyakari Sahkari Sanstha (JMMVKSS), a fish workers society in Juhu, objected to the EC given to the sealink. Following that, the case was brought before the High Court, which also dismissed the petition. Thereafter, a different petitioner submitted a comparable petition contesting the EC given to the project in the NGT. In opposition to the NGT taking up the same issue, which has already been resolved by the High Court and the NGT's Western Bench, the MSRDC has now filed a petition with the Supreme Court. The project’s cost has increased to Rs 113.33 billion as a result of the excessive delay, according to Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, who also mentioned the MSRDC’s request for an urgent hearing in the Supreme Court.

Next Story
Infrastructure Urban

Bain Capital Invests in Dhoot Transmission Group to Accelerate Growth

Dhoot Transmission Group, a prominent manufacturer of automotive components, has announced a strategic growth investment from Bain Capital. This partnership with founder and CEO Rahul Dhoot will leverage Bain Capital's automotive expertise to drive innovation, expand global reach, and explore high-growth segments through acquisitions and partnerships.Founded in 1999, Dhoot Transmission Group specializes in manufacturing wiring harnesses for two-wheelers, three-wheelers, and other vehicles, including both internal combustion engine (ICE) and electric vehicle (EV) segments. The company has diver..

Next Story
Infrastructure Energy

Indian Oil Corp Eyes Sour Crude from Spot Market

Indian Oil Corporation (IOC), the largest oil refiner in India by capacity, is actively seeking to procure high-sulphur crude oil through spot tenders. This marks the company's first initiative to import sour crude oil since March 2022, according to insights shared by trade sources on Thursday. Sour crude, known for its higher sulphur content, is commonly used by complex refineries capable of processing such grades efficiently. In addition to the sour crude tender, IOC has also floated a separate tender for sweet crude oil, a variety with lower sulphur content that typically requires less int..

Next Story
Infrastructure Urban

Indian Carmakers Gear up for EV Push in 2025 Despite Global Slowdown

Automakers in India are preparing to launch nearly a dozen new electric car models this year, many targeting the premium market. These vehicles are expected to feature extended driving ranges and faster charging capabilities, aimed at attracting consumers amid a global slowdown in demand for electric vehicles (EVs). Electric cars are set to dominate India's five-day auto show in New Delhi starting Friday. The event will showcase models from Vietnamese newcomer VinFast, alongside domestic players such as Maruti Suzuki and Mahindra & Mahindra, as well as international competitors including BYD,..

Hi There!

"Now get regular updates from CW Magazine on WhatsApp!

Join the CW WhatsApp channel for the latest news, industry events, expert insights, and project updates from the construction and infrastructure industry.

Click the link below to join"

+91 81086 03000