Bhayandar: The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) has formally requested infrastructure giant Larsen & Toubro (L&T) to submit a comprehensive financial breakdown of its bid for the now-cancelled Thane-Ghodbunder tunnel and Ghodbunder-Bhayandar elevated road projects, collectively valued at Rs 14,000 crore.

The request, made via a letter dated June 10, comes in the wake of the Supreme Court’s intervention, which prompted MMRDA to cancel tenders awarded to Megha Engineering and Infrastructure Ltd (MEIL). L&T had challenged the award of the contract, claiming its bid was over Rs 3,000 crore lower than MEIL’s. The apex court emphasized the importance of transparency and competitive bidding, forcing MMRDA to halt the process “in larger public interest.”

L&T had quoted Rs 12,052 crore for the twin projects—Rs 6,498 crore for the 5-km Thane tunnel and Rs 5,554 crore for the 9.8-km elevated road. In contrast, MEIL’s bid amounted to Rs 15,182.87 crore. Following the court's observations, MMRDA is now reconsidering the base cost of the projects, potentially revising it downward by Rs 3,000 crore.

MMRDA has asked L&T to provide detailed calculation sheets, rate analyses, explanatory notes, and justifications submitted with its bid. The authority noted that this documentation is essential for reassessing the project scope and ensuring transparency ahead of re-tendering.

The tunnel and elevated road projects are part of the larger Mumbai Coastal Road extension plan aimed at easing congestion and improving connectivity between Thane and Mira-Bhayandar. Initially scheduled for completion by 2028, the projects now face delays amid legal and administrative review.

MMRDA has given L&T seven working days to submit the requested documents, marking a critical step towards relaunching the tender process under revised financial scrutiny.