Civil work of Mumbai-Pune augmentation gathers speed

With the gradual normalisation of daily activities after an elongated gap of 11 months due to the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent lockdown, the civil work of various ongoing big budget infrastructure projects has also gathered speed. Migrant labourers are also returning to their work sites, eliminating the issue of the shortage of manpower. The Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC) undertaking the Mumbai-Pune augmentation through the ‘missing link project’ has completed significant work. So far, nearly 15 per cent to 20 per cent of the work has been completed according to an official who does not wish to be named. Moreover, with just 19 months left for the entire project work to be completed, MSRDC has initiated all the work in full speed, so it can open up the new road for the public by September, 2022. The previous deadline for the project was February, 2022. However, due to COVID-19, the appointed contractor was given 184 additional days under force majeure, reportedly.

The civil cost of the project is Rs 4,500 crore, while the total project cost is Rs 6,600 crore. The augmentation of the MumbaiPune Expressway will lessen the travel time and also decongest the Khandala ghat section, which is currently very narrow and slows vehicular movement.