July 30, 2025: In a major boost to Mumbai’s coastal infrastructure, the proposed Uttan-Virar sea bridge has received crucial Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) clearance from the Maharashtra Coastal Zone Management Authority (MCZMA). This approval allows the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) to move forward with groundwork on the ambitious project.
Spanning 42.75 km across the Arabian Sea, the bridge—previously known as the Versova-Virar sea link—will feature three connecting arms at Uttan, MSEB, and Virar. It aims to ease congestion and significantly cut travel time for lakhs of daily commuters heading to and from Mumbai’s northern suburbs.
The project covers over 68.8 lakh square metres, with more than 55 lakh square metres falling under the CRZ-4 marine zone. To safeguard the environment, the clearance comes with 27 specific conditions, including ecological assessments and compensatory afforestation. The MMRDA has identified around 8,420 mangrove trees that may be affected, primarily near the connecting arms. In response, a comprehensive replantation and rehabilitation plan is underway.
This includes the creation of a 10.8-hectare compensatory mangrove patch outside CRZ limits and the planting of approximately 52,000 new trees, marking one of the largest replantation efforts linked to any infrastructure project in Maharashtra.
The Uttan-Virar sea link seeks to balance urban development with ecological responsibility. It promises improved connectivity for Mumbai’s expanding suburbs while setting a precedent for eco-sensitive infrastructure.
“With green clearance now in place, the MMRDA is preparing to begin groundwork soon. The project is poised to become not just a marvel of engineering, but also a model of sustainable coastal development.”
The approval also signals that development in environmentally sensitive zones can move ahead responsibly, provided strong safeguards and mitigation plans are in place.
Source: News18
