July 18, 2025: A vital element in Mumbai’s expansive infrastructure agenda, the proposed Ramchandra Bridge—intended to connect Mindspace in Malad West to Malad-Marve Road—remains stalled, pending final clearance from the Bombay High Court. Part of the broader Mumbai Coastal Road project, the bridge aims to ease persistent congestion along the New Link Road. However, its completion is now unlikely before 2028, highlighting the complexities of balancing urban growth with ecological preservation.
Originally proposed under the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation’s (BMC) Development Plan 2034, the bridge gathered momentum in 2021 as a critical solution to Malad’s mounting traffic. It is expected to offer improved connectivity for commuters and integrate with the forthcoming Versova–Bhayandar Coastal Road interchange. Yet, the project must navigate environmental constraints, as the planned alignment falls within a Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ), necessitating the diversion of 0.7 hectares of mangroves.
The BMC has proactively obtained necessary approvals from multiple agencies, including the Maharashtra Coastal Zone Management Authority (MCZMA), the state forest department, and the Union Ministry of Environment and Forests. Additionally, Rs 15 lakh has been paid for compensatory afforestation. Despite this, final approval from the High Court remains pending, owing to judicial scrutiny over mangrove clearance.
To mitigate ecological disruption, the bridge design employs stainless steel girders on stilts, shifting construction closer to built-up zones. Complicating matters further, a land acquisition dispute is also under court review, with a local property owner challenging the bridge’s impact on their estate.
While civic authorities hope to begin construction by October, progress hinges on resolving these legal and environmental issues. Local residents, weary of worsening congestion, await the project with guarded optimism. A proposed extension near Atharva College is also under study to boost connectivity to Charkop and Malwani, underlining the bridge’s broader urban significance.
Source: Urban Acres
