Mumbai: Originally proposed in the 1967 Development Plan, the Madh-Versova bridge is now close to becoming a reality. The state government has written to the Deputy Director General of Forests (Central) seeking final clearances for the project.
Madh-Versova Bridge to Shrink 22-Km Distance to Just 1.5 Km
Once completed, the bridge will reduce travel time from 90 minutes to just five minutes. Similarly, the distance between the two points will shrink from 22 kilometers to 1.5 kilometers.
Bridge to Span 2.06 Km Across Versova Creek, Feature 4 Lanes
Designed as a part cable-stayed structure, the bridge will span 2.06 kilometers across Versova Creek, with a width of 27.5 meters. It will feature four lanes, two in each direction, and connect Amaranth Road, near Versova Koliwada, to Madh Jetty.
Rs 3,990-Crore Project Includes Maintenance, Labour Cost Escalation
The contract for the project was awarded on August 29, 2024. The total estimated cost of Rs. 3,990 crore includes construction, three years of maintenance, casting yard rental, and provisions for fluctuations in labor and material costs. The bridge is expected to be completed within 42 months, including six months to acquire the mandatory environmental clearances and NOCs.
After obtaining all necessary state-level approvals, the Madh-Versova bridge project is now awaiting final clearance from the Union Ministry of Environment and Forests.
On Monday, July 21, the state government's Revenue and Forest department has recommended the project for environmental clearance in a letter to the ministry.
"As part of the proposal, three hectares of alternative land have been identified in exchange for the required 2.7515 hectares. Additionally, for every tree that is cut, three new saplings will be planted," said a senior civic official.
The proposed alignment for the bridge passes through mangrove-covered areas and lies within the Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ). In response, the Maharashtra Coastal Zone Management Authority (MCZMA) had initially advised the BMC to consider alternative alignments to minimise environmental impact.
State Seeks Final Clearance from Centre After Environmental Green Light from MCZMA
After addressing these concerns through a revised design, the BMC secured MCZMA approval in February 2023. At present, there is no direct road connection between Madh and Versova. Commuters has to rely on ferry services, which are suspended for about four months during the monsoon season causing inconvenience to daily travelers.
