Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis Calls For BKC-Style Economic Hubs Along Versova-Bhayandar Coastal Road

Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has directed authorities to identify and develop government-owned land near major infrastructure projects into new economic hubs, modeled after Mumbai's Bandra-Kurla Complex (BKC). The directive came during a review meeting of the Versova to Bhayandar Coastal Road Project held at Sahyadri Guest House.

Emphasizing the importance of environmental conservation, CM Fadnavis instructed that the coastal road project be implemented without harming mangrove forests. He also called for developing additional mangrove areas to offset any environmental impact. “All required project approvals must be secured concurrently, and the entire project must be completed by December 2028,” he added.

The project requires around 165 hectares of land, most of which belongs to the government. CM Fadnavis directed officials to complete the land transfer process within 15 days. He also stressed the need to follow up and acquire land from the Department of Fisheries at Versova.

He further instructed that the stretch from Mad to Versova be developed in coordination with the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA).

To ensure sustainable upkeep, the Chief Minister proposed creating a dedicated advertising policy for the coastal road, including hoardings and flex banners. “An advisor should be appointed to oversee this, and revenue from advertisements should be used for road maintenance,” he said.

The review meeting was attended by BMC Commissioner Bhushan Gagrani, Additional Commissioner Abhijeet Bangar, Thane Collector Ashok Shingare, Mumbai Suburban Collector Saurabh Katiyar, Mira-Bhayandar Municipal Commissioner Mr. Sharma, and MSRDC Managing Director Anil Gaikwad.

Versova to Bhayandar Coastal Road Project Highlights:

Main Coastal Road Length: 26 km

Total Length (including link roads): 63 km

Construction Plan: To be executed in 6 phases

Tender Process: Already initiated

Land Requirement: 165 hectares