November 06, 2025: The long-pending Madh–Versova Bridge project is moving closer to execution, with the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) now awaiting final approvals from the Union Ministry of Environment and Forests and the Bombay High Court. Officials expect construction to begin early next year. Once completed, the bridge will drastically reduce travel time between Madh and Versova from 90 minutes to just five, cutting the distance from 22 km to only 1.5 km.
The proposed 2.06-km cable-stayed bridge, estimated at Rs 3,990 crore, will span the Versova Creek, connecting Amarnath Road near Versova Koliwada to Madh Jetty. The four-lane structure, 27.5 metres wide, aims to significantly ease connectivity and traffic flow in the western suburbs. The contract, awarded on August 29, 2024, covers construction, a three-year maintenance period, casting yard rental, and cost escalation provisions. The project is expected to be completed within three years of commencement.
However, the BMC is still waiting for clearances related to the diversion of 2.75 hectares of mangrove land. The State Revenue and Forest Department had recommended the project for environmental clearance on July 21.
“In exchange for 2.75 hectares of mangrove land, three hectares of alternative land have been identified, and three saplings will be planted for every tree cut. Once clearances are received, we will seek HC approval and expect to begin construction within two months,” said a senior civic official.
First proposed in the 1967 Development Plan, the bridge passes through mangrove zones within the Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ). After revising its design to reduce environmental impact, the BMC obtained approval from the Maharashtra Coastal Zone Management Authority (MCZMA) in February 2023. Currently, commuters rely solely on ferry services between Madh and Versova, which are halted during the monsoon, disrupting daily travel.
Source: The Free Press Journal
