The Versova-Madh bridge project in Mumbai has moved a step closer to implementation after the Bombay High Court permitted the removal of 1,237 mangroves. Following the approval, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has begun ground assessment work, paving the way for construction of the proposed Rs 2,395-crore cable-stayed bridge.
The 2.06-km structure is expected to provide a direct connection between Versova and Madh, currently separated by Malad Creek. Once operational, it could reduce peak-hour travel time between the two locations from around 90 minutes to just five to ten minutes.
At present, commuters cover an additional 18–20 km through congested stretches such as Lokhandwala, Oshiwara, Link Road and Marve Road. The new bridge is expected to eliminate these lengthy detours and improve road connectivity between the western suburbs.
The bridge will extend from Madh Jetty Road to Fisheries University Road in Versova, Andheri. Around 600 metres of the structure will feature a cable-stayed design, comprising a 300-metre central span and two 150-metre back spans. This configuration has been planned to minimise environmental disruption and reduce extensive piling within the creek.
The project is also expected to improve access to INS Hamla, Air Force establishments, Madh, Marve and neighbouring areas of Malad and Kandivali. It is further planned to connect with the Mumbai Coastal Road Project, with a proposed link to the Dahisar-Bhayandar coastal road.
First included in Mumbai’s 1967 Development Plan, the project remained pending for decades. Its blueprint was finalised in 2020, while tenders were issued in March 2023. It subsequently received in-principle approval from the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change.
The BMC has set March 31, 2029, as the completion deadline. Once ready, the bridge is expected to strengthen the western suburbs’ road network and provide commuters with a significantly shorter alternative to existing routes.
Source: Mumbai Live
