The proposed cable-stayed bridge connecting Madh Island with Versova has received a major legal boost, with the Bombay High Court allowing the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) to proceed with the project and clear the required mangroves.
A bench comprising Chief Justice Mahesh Chandra Tripathi and Justice Advait Sethna allowed the BMC’s petition seeking permission, in accordance with a September 2018 court order, to remove 1,237 mangrove trees spread across 2.7515 hectares for the construction of the bridge.
The proposed infrastructure is expected to provide a much faster connection between Madh and Versova, replacing the existing road journey through heavily congested routes.
Travel Time Could Drop to Just Five Minutes
Senior advocate Aspi Chinoy, appearing with advocate Joel Carlos, told the court that the proposed bridge would have a 2,064-metre road length and address a critical gap in Mumbai’s road network.
At present, commuters travelling between Madh and Versova have to take a lengthy detour through congested roads, with the journey potentially taking around 1.5 hours. The proposed bridge is expected to ease congestion, reduce travel time and lower vehicle emissions.
Chinoy also informed the court that the project had received the necessary approvals from the relevant regulatory authorities.
The Bombay Environment Action Group, however, raised concerns over the adequacy of the compensatory afforestation measures proposed for the mangroves that would be affected.
In response, Chinoy told the court that the BMC had deposited Rs 1.4 crore for compensatory afforestation over nine hectares in Thane district. He also referred to a proposed 2.5-hectare in-situ mangrove restoration programme, stating that only around 20 hectares of the mangrove area would be covered by bridge piers and pylons.
Major Connectivity Boost for Western Mumbai
In its order, the High Court noted the significant reduction in distance that the project could offer. The existing journey between Madh and Versova is approximately 21 km, while the proposed bridge would reduce the effective distance to around 1.5 km.
The court observed that travel time could fall from nearly 1.5 hours to about five minutes once the bridge becomes operational.
The project is expected to improve connectivity for residents of Madh, Versova and surrounding western suburbs, while also reducing pressure on existing roads.
With the court now clearing the way for the required mangrove-related intervention, the bridge has crossed a significant legal hurdle. Its eventual construction, however, will depend on the remaining project procedures, execution and statutory requirements.
The proposed link could become an important addition to Mumbai’s western road network, particularly by providing a direct connection between two areas currently separated by a major creek and a lengthy road detour.
Source: Times of India
