A long-pending infrastructure proposal to connect Bhayandar and Vasai through a dedicated bridge has taken a fresh step forward, with the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) recently submitting an updated proposal to the state urban development department.
Originally proposed in 2000 and approved by the Maharashtra government in 2013, the project involves the construction of a double-decker bridge over the Vasai Creek. The upper deck is planned for vehicular traffic, while the lower level will accommodate Metro Line 13, aiming to strengthen both road and public transport connectivity in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR).
Once operational, the bridge is expected to drastically improve travel between Bhayandar and Vasai. The existing journey of nearly 39 kilometres, which currently takes around 90 minutes, could reportedly be reduced to just 5 kilometres and nearly 10 minutes. The project is expected to benefit nearly 18 lakh residents living in the rapidly growing Vasai-Virar region.
The estimated project cost is around Rs 2,500 crore. Out of the five mandatory clearances required for execution, authorities have already secured approvals from the Maharashtra Maritime Board, the Inland Waterways Authority of India, and the Maharashtra Coastal Zone Management Authority.
However, permissions from the state forest department and the central salt commissioner are still awaited due to the involvement of mangrove areas and salt pan land. In addition, compensation claims involving 10 families comprising 119 individuals remain unresolved, with the matter pending before the Bombay High Court since 2013.
To compensate for the mangrove land proposed for acquisition, officials have identified an alternative 4.44-hectare land parcel in Wadapokharan, located in Dahanu taluka.
“The proposed bridge will serve as a direct link between Mumbai and Vasai, as well as Gujarat, because the present NH-48 cannot handle the current traffic and is congested. Currently, there is no direct road link between Vasai and Bhayander; both towns are directly connected only by a railway line,” said Vasai-Virar Mayor Ajiv Patil.
Source: Swarajya
