BMC zeroes in on bidder for Dharavi-Mahim bridge revamp

More than 18 months after the Sion-Dharavi-Mahim bridge collapse, the BMC is now finalising a contractor for its revamp.

Ram Builders is likely to be awarded the contract for revamping the 31m x 20m culvert from Dharavi T junction to Mahim.

This project, once completed, will ease bottlenecks between the island city and the eastern and western suburbs.

"By the end of the year, the work should be completed. We have already floated the tender and are in the process of finalising the contractor. This is the lowest bidder who bid at least 20 per cent higher than the estimated cost," said a senior civic engineer of the Roads, Bridges and Traffic department.

The estimated cost of the project is pegged at Rs 6.6crore.

The process in finalising the bidder is currently on. According to civic officials, 4 firms participated in the e-tendering process, of which Ram Builders is believed to be the lowest bidder.

"After a meeting with the scrutiny committee, the finalised bid will go to the standing committee for approval after which we will begin work," an official said. However, Bulu Saldanha, a resident of Mahim and a volunteer with citizen group AGNI, said the corporation must also pay attention to the illegal constructions that have cropped up around the bridge.

"The bridge had previously collapsed due to illegal encroachments that sprung up on and around the structure, thus weakening its foundation. Once work on the bridge is complete, it will be of great help for east-west connectivity, but necessary precautions such as a boundary wall or protective structure must be built," said Saldanha.

In August 2011, a portion of the culvert over Mahim creek, collapsed. This bridge was constructed by the Public Works Department around 30 years ago. The BMC had appointed a consultant to design the revamp and it was found that a complete overhaul of the bridge was required.

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