Daijiworld Media Network – Mumbai

Mumbai, Jun 18: A heated debate unfolded in the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) standing committee on Thursday over a proposal to appoint a Project Management Consultant (PMC) for the construction of a 45-metre-wide elevated road linking Dahisar (West) and Bhayander (West), the final phase of the Mumbai Coastal Road (North) project.

Opposition members from Shiv Sena (UBT) and Indian National Congress questioned why the BMC should bear the entire financial burden for a project extending beyond Mumbai’s municipal limits.

The proposed elevated corridor, estimated to cost around Rs 2,000 crore, is aimed at improving northbound connectivity and reducing congestion on the Western Express Highway. The civic administration has proposed appointing a joint venture of Nippon Koei India Pvt Ltd and Kite Allied Services Pvt Ltd as PMC at a cost of Rs 52.5 crore.

Of the total 4.6-km corridor, nearly 1.5 km falls within Mumbai city limits, while over 3.1 km lies under the jurisdiction of the Mira-Bhayander Municipal Corporation.

Shiv Sena (UBT) corporator Yashodhar Phanse argued that other agencies should contribute to the project’s funding.

“If neighbouring municipal corporations cannot contribute, then the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority should bear the cost. If BMC is paying, we should know exactly how much of the project falls within Mumbai’s limits and how much it will cost,” he said, demanding that the proposal be reconsidered with complete details.

Congress leader Ashraf Azmi called for greater financial participation by the state government and raised concerns over transparency in the tendering process.

“This is a prestigious infrastructure project. The state government should bear a major share of the cost. BMC already faces substantial liabilities, while MMRDA’s primary role is infrastructure development. When only one bidder remained in the process, why was the tender not reissued?” Azmi asked.

Congress corporator Tulip Miranda suggested that the project cost should be shared equally among relevant agencies rather than being borne entirely by the BMC.

Defending the proposal, BJP leader Ganesh Khankar said major infrastructure projects often face criticism initially but ultimately benefit the public.

“In 2014, there was only one Metro line and many questioned its usefulness. Today, lakhs of commuters use it daily. Similarly, this project is important for suburban connectivity. People spend more than two-and-a-half hours travelling from south Mumbai to Dahisar during peak hours. We must look at the long-term public benefit,” he said.

Responding to the concerns, Additional Municipal Commissioner Abhijit Bangar stated that the elevated road forms part of Mumbai’s approved Development Plan and is intended to reduce traffic congestion on the Western Express Highway.

He informed the standing committee that the section extending beyond Bhayander towards Virar would be developed by MMRDA. Bangar also said the proposed alignment passes through creek areas and that the project’s cost estimates had been examined through detailed rate analysis and reviewed by the technical scrutiny committee.

The proposal remains under discussion as members continue to debate funding responsibilities and the project's financial implications for Mumbai’s civic body.