Russia-Ukraine war sends bridge construction cost in Mumbai straight through the roof

The BMC may have to shell out 25 per cent more than its estimated cost to build bridges. The civic body has started the construction of 21 bridges in the city at an estimated cost of Rs 2,500 crore, which will now rise by more than Rs 500 crore

The impact of the Russia-Ukraine war on the prices of raw material for construction means the BMC may have to shell out 25 per cent more than its estimated cost to build bridges. The civic body has started the construction of 21 bridges in the city at an estimated cost of Rs 2,500 crore, which will now rise by more than Rs 500 crore.

Experts said the price of steel has skyrocketed as Russia is the fourth largest producer of the metal and accounts for around 12 to 12.5 per cent of steel in the international market. A contractor appointed by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation said, “The price of steel rose by 12-15 per cent while that of cement increased by 12 per cent. Apart from this, other raw material too has become dearer, which has pushed the overall cost by 19-20 per cent.”

Satish Thosar, chief engineer, BMC’s bridge department, said, “We have received a request from the contractor to increase the cost of bridge construction, but haven’t decided on that yet. The BMC has a contract with the contractor, and if raw material costs increase now that is not our issue.”

Costs of several bridges such as Hancock bridge at Sandhurst Road, Vikhroli rail overbridge, and Borivli Kora Kendra flyover have already multiplied. As per records, the cost of Kora Kendra flyover rose from Rs 161 crore to Rs 651 crore. Civic officials cited the inclusion of an extension as the reason behind the price rise. “The cost of the rail overbridge at Vikhroli increased by 90 per cent because of a change in the design of pillars,” an official said. The original cost of the bridge was Rs 45 crore, but the BMC has recently approved another Rs 42 crore for it.

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