The proposed redesign of the Bandra–Versova Sea Link has received clearance from the Union environment ministry, leading to a significant rise in the project’s cost. According to reports, the estimated expenditure has increased by nearly 60%—from Rs 11,332.82 crore to Rs 18,120.96 crore.
As part of the revised plan, the number of mangroves to be cleared has also gone up, with 1,799 trees now slated for removal compared to the earlier estimate of 1,585.
The Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC), which is overseeing the project, had requested multiple design changes. These include shifting three navigational spans near Juhu, reducing the number of lanes on two of the connectors, and extending the length of another connector.
The project, officially named Swatantrya Veer Savarkar Setu, recently secured both environmental and Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) approvals for the updated design. Spanning 9.89 km across the Arabian Sea, the sea link is a crucial component of Mumbai’s broader Coastal Road development.
The bridge will feature four access points connecting Bandra, Carter Road, Juhu Koliwada, and Versova. Once operational, it is expected to significantly cut travel time between Bandra and Versova—from the current 45–60 minutes to approximately 10–15 minutes.
Upon completion, the sea link will connect with the existing Bandra–Worli Sea Link and eventually integrate with planned coastal road extensions stretching up to Dahisar and Bhayandar.
Construction progress currently stands at around 30%, with work extending nearly 900 metres into the sea. Authorities are targeting December 2028 for completion.
Originally proposed in 2009, the project received its first CRZ clearance in January 2013. Subsequent changes, including an extension approved in 2019, led to fresh submissions and reviews before the latest approval was granted.
Source: Swarajya
