Lalbaug takes wind out of BWSL sails; 8 pc dip in users

On June 30,2009,the BWSL was partially commissioned with much fanfare,only to face criticism from transport experts for less users with respect to the cost of the mammoth project. A report by Dar Consultants — private consultants appointed for the project in 2006 — estimated that after completion,the BWSL will attract 79,335 vehicles a day in 2009. But figures remained between 35,000 and 38,000 for some months and increased to 42,000 passenger car units (PCU) a day after the commissioning of the northern arm of the sea link.

Currently,according to Mhaiskar,the number of PCU on the BWSL fluctuates between 45,000 and 47,000 per day.

With the Reliance Infrastructure Ltd-led consortium expected to take over the BWSL as part of the contract for the Worli-Haji Ali Sea Link,the toll is slated to go up to Rs 65 for a single trip. A senior MSRDC official said with the extension of the BWSL up to Haji Ali,the number of PCU will increase to 1.2 lakh by 2012.

Meanwhile,the MEPL has got an extension of a year to continue as the toll operator until Rinfra-led consortium takes over the operations and maintenance of the BWSL,Mhaiskar added.