The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) recently issued a tender worth Rs 1,800 crore for the construction of a cable-stayed bridge connecting Madh Island to Versova in the western suburbs. Although initially proposed in 2015, the project faced delays, with the final blueprint being approved by BMC in 2020.
Navigating through a dense mangrove cover and coastal regulatory zone, the project required environmental clearances. In March 2022, the Maharashtra Coastal Zone Management Authority (MCZMA) suggested an alternative alignment to minimize damage to mangroves. Opposition from the Versova-Madh fishing community also surfaced, expressing concerns about boat parking inconvenience.
In January of this year, BMC secured the necessary environmental clearances, leading to the current tender issuance. The project’s estimated cost in the tender document is Rs 1,800 crore, significantly higher than the initial 2015 estimate. The completion deadline is set at 36 months.
To address environmental concerns, BMC incorporated design changes, consulting with the fishing community. Escalating costs are attributed to taxes, GST rates, and current market prices for raw materials. The proposed cable-stayed bridge, spanning Versova Creek, aims to provide a direct road link between Versova and Madh, currently reliant on ferry services with seasonal disruptions. The flyover, 1.5 km in length and 27.5 meters wide, will have four lanes on the bridge, two on each side.
During the construction, temporary culverts will be implemented to minimize mangrove damage. Additionally, BMC has invited tenders for an elevated road project connecting the Khar subway in the west to Bandra Terminus in the east, with an estimated cost of Rs 1,300 crore and a 42-month completion deadline.
