December 23, 2025: Mumbai’s long-pending Madh–Versova connectivity project is finally moving closer to execution, with the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) planning to commence construction of the proposed cable-stayed bridge by February 2026. The ambitious infrastructure project, estimated to cost Rs 2,395 crore, is expected to significantly ease travel along the city’s western coastline.
Following initial clearance from the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, the civic body has begun preparatory work, including site inspections, ground-level surveys, and soil testing. These preliminary activities are essential before major construction can begin on-site.
The bridge will originate at Madh Jetty Road, span the Versova creek and terminate near Fisheries University Road in Andheri West. At present, commuters between Madh and Versova have no direct route and must rely on congested corridors such as Lokhandwala, Oshiwara, Link Road, or Marve Road. During peak traffic hours, the journey can stretch to nearly 90 minutes.
Once operational, the new bridge will reduce the travel distance to around 2.6 km, cutting commute time to approximately 10 minutes. The improved connectivity is expected to benefit residents and defence personnel travelling to areas such as Madh, Marve, Malad, Kandivali, INS Hamla, and adjoining neighbourhoods, while also easing traffic pressure on roads in Andheri West.
According to project plans, the bridge will include an additional arm linking it to the proposed Dahisar–Bhayandar coastal road under Mumbai Coastal Road Phase II. The total length of the structure is planned at 2,064 metres, with a 600-metre cable-stayed section. The central span will measure 300 metres, supported by 150-metre back spans on either side.
However, full-scale construction will only commence after the project secures Stage II forest clearance and approval from the High Court, as the alignment passes through mangrove zones governed by Coastal Regulation Zone norms.
First proposed in Mumbai’s 1967 Development Plan, the bridge design was finalised in 2020. Tenders were floated in March 2023, and the work order was issued in September 2025. If schedules remain on track, the bridge is expected to be completed by March 31, 2029, promising a major shift in daily commuting along Mumbai’s western suburbs.
