The Rs 1,316-crore project will run from Balkum to Gaimukh and save motorists from traffic jams within city; CRZ clearance, nod from Defence Ministry needed
The coastal road will run close to the Thane creek
To save motorists from huge traffic jams on a stretch of the Ghodbunder Road in Thane, infrastructure body MMRDA plans to construct a coastal road from Balkum to Gaimukh in the city. It is expected to be ready in three years.
ADVERTISEMENT
“We have invited tenders for appointment of consultants for detailed engineering and project management consultancy services for the construction of Thane Coastal Road from Balkum to Gaimukh,” an MMRDA official told mid-day.
As per the tender for the 13-km project, the successful bidder will be given about 3 months for pre-contract phase, 36 months for construction supervision and 60 months as defect liability period.
Officials said motorists from Bhiwandi and Kalwa going towards Ghodbunder Road via Balkum get stuck in traffic during morning and evening peak hours.
Earlier, the Thane Municipal Corporation had sent a detailed project report for the 13-km coastal road to MMRDA, but the latter made a few changes in the plan. MMRDA has also received approval to spend R1,316 crore on the road, said officials. It was conceptualised in 2007.
Since the road will run close to the Thane creek, it will require CRZ clearance. It will also have an underground tunnel near the Kolshet Naval camp for which MMRDA will have to seek permissions from the Defence Ministry.
13km
Length of the coastal road
27 per cent of work on Balasaheb memorial done
About 27 per cent of work on the Balasaheb Thackeray National Memorial is done, the MMRDA has said in response to a query filed under the Right to Information Act. The first phase of the project is expected to be completed by May 23, 2022. So far, R35.97 crore has been spent on the memorial.
The information was provided to RTI activist Anil Galgali. Tata Projects Limited has been entrusted with the work on the memorial.
As per Galgali, the first phase of the R400-crore project includes the construction of the entrance block, artist’s centre, interpretation centre, heritage conservation and restoration of the mayor’s bungalow. In the second phase, R150 crore will be spent.