The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has invited tenders to appoint a Project Management Consultant (PMC) for Package 3 of the Mithi River Rejuvenation Project, estimated to cost around ₹1,800 crore.
The package covers the Kurla-Mahim stretch, extending from the CST Road bridge to Mahim Causeway, and is aimed at addressing untreated sewage discharge and tidal flooding along the river. The project has a target completion deadline of December 2029.
Package 3 is designed to intercept nearly 309 million litres per day (MLD) of untreated sewage entering the Mithi. The planned works include sewage diversion systems, a major pumping station, sewer networks, retaining walls, service roads and 18 gate-pump systems.
Rehabilitation Emerges as Major Challenge
The rehabilitation of nearly 2,000 families affected by the project is expected to be one of its biggest implementation hurdles. Residents in areas including Dharavi, Kurla, Sakinaka and Vakola are likely to be affected.
“While the project document provides 64 months for completion, the deadline is December 2029. However, the rehabilitation of at least 2,000 affected families will take time,” a senior civic official said.
The PMC will oversee the project from the design and construction stages through commissioning and subsequent operations and maintenance. Its responsibilities will include scrutinising designs prepared by the Design-Build-Operate contractor, supervising construction, managing contracts, resolving disputes and monitoring quality, safety, costs and schedules.
The consultant will also examine surveys and flow studies, proof-check technical designs, maintain project documentation and assist with training BMC personnel. The PMC contract is estimated at Rs 10.60 crore for the 64-month project period.
Flood Control and Sewage Management
Package 3 was awarded to an Adani Group-led consortium in November 2025, with tidal flooding and untreated sewage identified as the primary concerns.
A large sewage pumping station is proposed near Machhimar Colony in Mahim, along with an interceptor to divert dry-weather sewage flows towards the Dharavi sewage treatment plant.
“To tackle tidal backflow, 18 gate-pump systems will be installed along the Mithi, including at locations such as Moon Furniture, Kalpana Talkies and the ONGC nallah. The system will block tidal water from entering the river and adjoining drainage network while pumping out excess water during heavy rainfall, benefiting flood-prone areas such as Kurla and LBS Marg,” said a senior civic official.
He added that sewage from identified drains and outfalls would be intercepted before reaching the river and redirected for treatment. Retaining walls and service roads will support bank protection and maintenance.
The Mithi originates near Vihar Lake in Powai and flows for about 17.8 km before reaching the Arabian Sea at Mahim Causeway.
Source: The Free Press Journal
