A proposed Rs 2,395-crore cable-stayed bridge over Malad Creek is set to provide a direct road connection between Madh Island and Versova, potentially reducing travel time between the two Mumbai suburbs from up to 90 minutes to around 10 minutes.
The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) plans to begin construction after the monsoon and complete the project by 2029, according to a report in The Indian Express. The bridge is expected to significantly improve connectivity for residents of Madh Island and nearby areas.
At present, Madh Island and Versova do not have a direct road link and are separated by Malad Creek. Road commuters are required to travel nearly 18-20 km through a longer route, with journeys taking between 60 and 90 minutes depending on traffic.
A jetty service connects the two locations, but its operations are generally restricted to around eight months of the year and remain suspended during the monsoon. Limited frequency also means that many residents continue to rely on road transport.
The proposed bridge is expected to improve access to hospitals, schools and other essential services for residents of Madh Island and surrounding settlements. The idea was originally included in Mumbai’s development planning in 1967, but the project took several decades to progress. It was formally documented in 2015, followed by approval of the final design in 2020. Work orders were issued in 2024.
The planned structure will feature a cable-stayed design with four traffic lanes. It will be approximately 2.06 km long and is being designed with a wider carriageway to accommodate future traffic growth.
The BMC has already started preliminary activities, including soil investigations and station surveys. However, actual construction will depend on clearance from the Bombay High Court. The case was last heard in July, with a final hearing potentially expected by September.
The BMC has said the alignment has been planned to minimise environmental impact. Abhijit Bangar, Additional Municipal Commissioner (Projects), told The Indian Express that the structure’s cable-stayed design would limit the need for extensive piling work.
Once completed, the bridge is expected to transform connectivity across Mumbai’s western suburbs and provide a faster, more reliable route between Madh Island and Versova.
Source: Money Control
