Mumbai: Nearly a year after the BMC secured Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) clearances from the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change for the cable-stayed bridge connecting Madh and Versova island in the western suburbs, crucial approvals remain pending. The civic body is still awaiting key permissions from the Forest Department and the High Court (HC), as the project will affect mangroves in the region.
First proposed in 2015, the bridge project received blueprint approval after five years of planning. Designed as a part cable-stayed structure, the bridge will span 2.06 kilometers across Versova Creek, with a width of 27.5 meters. It will feature four lanes, two in each direction, and connect Amaranth Road, near Versova Koliwada, to Madh Jetty.
The total estimated cost of the project is Rs ,246 crore, which covers construction, three years of maintenance, casting yard rental, and adjustments for fluctuations in labor and material costs. The bridge is expected to be completed within 36 months.
“The CRZ clearance was a major milestone for the project, as the region contains mangroves that need to be cleared. This process requires a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the Forest Department and approval from the Bombay HC as well. Once we receive the necessary permission from the Forest Department, the report will be submitted to the HC for final approval. After that, we can begin the preliminary work on the project,” said a senior civic official.
The proposed road alignment passes through a mangrove cover and falls within the Coastal Regulation Zone, prompting the Maharashtra Coastal Zone Management Authority (MCZMA) to advise the BMC to explore alternative routes to minimise damage to the mangroves. After revising the design, the BMC secured clearances from the MCZMA in February 2023.
Currently, there is no direct road link between the two areas separated by Versova Creek, forcing commuters to rely on ferries. However, the ferry service is suspended for four months during the monsoon, causing inconvenience to daily travelers.
