The Indian Express           11.12.2013

2 firms come forward for coastal road project

Close to a year after the BMC first issued a request for proposals (RFPs) to appoint consultants for its mega project — the proposed 35.6-km Mumbai Coastal Road, two firms — Pentacle Consultants and Stup Consultants — have responded in its third attempt.

The BMC's had invited RFPs for the Techno-Economic and Financial Feasibility Study (TEFS) of the proposed project from Nariman Point to Kandivali and preparation of a Detailed Project Report (DPR).

"We are examining the possibility of beginning work on some parts by the end of next year. Instead of working on everything at once, we would like to start work in areas that do not require reclamation and major clearances from the Centre. We will have to look at the aspects of construction, environment, and traffic dispersal. This will increase the scope of the project," said Additional Municipal Commissioner SVR Srinivas on Tuesday.

"Based on the decision taken on the outcome of the TEFS, the consultants will be required to prepare the documentation which would allow bids to be invited on public-private-partnership/turnkey project. The consultants will also have to prepare these reports in a way that it becomes easier to acquire green clearances," said a senior official of the civic roads department.