Probe sought as cost doubles
The Free Press Journal|September 14, 2024
VERSOVA-MADH CABLE-STAYED BRIDGE | Cost doubles in six months; activist writes to crime branch and forest dept; BMC denies allegations, gives break-up
Rucha Kanolkar
Probe sought as cost doubles

Days after a significant cost escalation in the VersovaMadh project came to the fore, environment activist Godfrey Pimenta has demanded an inquiry by the Mumbai crime branch. His NGO, Watchdog Foundation, has written to the Commissioner of Police and the forest department, besides a few other agencies involved in similar projects.

Former leader of opposition in the BMC, Ravi Raja, too, has threatened legal action if the tender is not reversed.

The escalation in the cost of the new 2km bridge sent shockwaves through the city's infrastructure circles.

The initial estimated cost of the project was a modest Rs2,038 crore, but the final tender has ballooned to nearly Rs4,000 crore.

According to civic sources, the BMC issued a tender for the design and construction of the bridge just six months ago. The BMC, however, denied any wrongdoing, and stated that there is no truth to the allegations.

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