The proposed 1.87-km sea bridge connecting Nariman Point and Cuffe Parade has moved closer to implementation after the Centre’s Expert Appraisal Committee (EAC) recommended Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) approval for the project.
The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) is planning the Rs 588.36-crore bridge to ease persistent congestion between Nariman Point and Cuffe Parade. The project is expected to reduce travel time between the two locations to around five minutes once completed.
The bridge will begin near the National Centre for the Performing Arts (NCPA) at Nariman Point and connect to Captain Prakash Pethe Marg at Cuffe Parade. Depending on the section, its planned width will range between 16 metres and 36 metres, while around 1,665 sq m of land is expected to be acquired.
CRZ Approval Process Moves Ahead
The environmental clearance process is currently being handled by MMRDA. A proposal was first submitted to the Maharashtra Coastal Zone Management Authority (MCZMA), which cleared it before forwarding it to the Centre for further consideration.
The EAC has now recommended CRZ approval, stating that the proposed bridge could help reduce congestion and improve travel efficiency between the two South Mumbai locations. The final CRZ clearance is still awaited.
Once the final approval is received, MMRDA will need to obtain a No Objection Certificate from the Navy, as defence-related permissions are required for development activity in the area. Other statutory approvals and the tendering process will then have to be completed before construction can begin.
Environmental and Property Impact
According to the project proposal, 79 of the 132 affected trees will be transplanted. MMRDA has stated that no mangrove trees will be impacted by the project.
However, the construction is expected to affect around 45 existing structures along the proposed alignment.
The bridge has undergone changes from the original concept. It was initially proposed as a sea bridge between Nariman Point and Cuffe Parade under recommendations from the Comprehensive Traffic Study-1. The alignment was later revised to run parallel to the coastline.
The proposed connection is intended to provide an alternative route through one of South Mumbai’s busiest commercial and residential areas, where even short journeys can face heavy congestion.
With the EAC recommendation in place, the project has crossed an important regulatory milestone. The next major step is the Centre’s final CRZ approval, followed by defence and other statutory clearances and the tendering process before work can commence.
Source: Loksatta
