October 09, 2025: The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has begun work on the Versova–Dahisar Coastal Road, marking a major step in Mumbai’s expanding coastal infrastructure network. The project, which will connect the city’s western suburbs to the southern end, is expected to impact 1,244 trees in the Goregaon–Malad belt. Of these, 254 trees will be cut while 990 will be replanted, as per the proposal submitted to the Tree Authority.
The civic body has issued a public notice inviting citizens’ suggestions and objections to the tree removal plan, which will be heard on October 17. Officials clarified that current work is being carried out outside the Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ), while areas within the CRZ will require additional environmental clearances before construction begins.
Spanning approximately 18.47 km, the Versova–Dahisar stretch is part of the larger Mumbai Coastal Road Project and will include elevated corridors, cable-stayed bridges, and tunnels. The project, divided into six packages, is expected to significantly ease traffic congestion in Mumbai’s western suburbs, improving connectivity across Dahisar, Borivali, Kandivali, and Malad. Once completed, it will enable seamless travel between southern Mumbai and the northern suburbs.
The project’s cost is estimated between Rs 16,621 crore and Rs 18,000 crore, depending on land acquisition and construction complexities. Approximately 60 plots in the western suburbs will be utilised, and the Veer Savarkar Bridge in Goregaon will be demolished as part of the redevelopment.
While the project promises improved mobility, some residents, particularly in Charkop, have voiced concerns over loss of greenery, altered views, and environmental impact. They have urged the BMC to prioritise tree preservation and compensatory green measures.
With key approvals underway, the Versova–Dahisar coastal link is targeted for completion by late 2028, reinforcing Mumbai’s commitment to modern, sustainable urban infrastructure.
Source: The Free Press Journal
