Well-known city architect bags railway project

NAVI MUMBAI: Finally, after around three years, CIDCO will be finalising the tender bid and issuing a letter of acceptance to well-known city architect, Hiten Sethi.

Hiten Sethi, has several signature projects to his credit, the latest being the state-of-the art NMMC headquarter that has got the prestigious LEED Gold rating for confirming to various environment norms.

CIDCO chief engineer (special projects), Sunil R Darade told TOI Friday, `` the letter of acceptance will be forwarded in a few days’ time.’’ CIDCO had floated the tender twice for designing and then developing the four stations along the Seawoods-Uran rail link. The first phase –eight km of the 27 km—rail corridor is planned to be thrown open by end of 2017.

With around one and a half year to two years for developing the stations after they are designed, CIDCO decided to go ahead and finalise the single tender in which Sethi had bid. Sources said that as the tender that was floated for the second time had been given two extensions, it was possible to finalise it as per government directions.

Hiten Sethi, who will be designing the four stations said, "it was much awaited decision. I am very happy to get the opportunity and the project will help connectivity to Ulwe and a big boost to infra in view of the upcoming airport project. Cidco bid for plots fetched good price in the city and the new corridor will also help in a similar boost to the real estate."

The four stations to be developed (apart from Seawoods) are Sagar Sangam, Targhar, Bamandongri and Kharkopar. This stretch has been taken up on a priority basis due to the new airport being developed as also to connect the new township of Ulwe. The architect will not only design, but also do the cost estimate for the project to be tendered to select the developer.

The tender was floated for the second time in August 2014, after two extensions, closed on February 25, 2015. Cidco had floated the tender first around middle of 2012 in which some four to five bidders had evinced interest, but the tender crashed through as the bidders did not finally find favour with the terms of the tender. The second tender, after making certain changes was again re-floated last year. There were some inquiries and six design consultants also got interested but despite two extensions, only one bid.

The Seawoods-Uran rail link has a total of 10 stations (including Seawoods that would serve as a junction) and ensure connectivity of Uran and Dronagiri areas with the city, CST and Panvel on the harbour and Thane on the trans harbour track. The second phase was planned to be completed by 2018.