The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has begun ground assessments for the proposed Versova-Madh connector after the Bombay High Court cleared the felling of 1,237 mangroves for the project. Construction of the cable-stayed bridge is expected to begin soon. The 2.06-km bridge is planned as a direct link between Versova and Madh, which Malad Creek currently separates. It is also expected to improve access to the Mumbai Coastal Road Project, with a connecting arm planned towards the Dahisar-Bhayandar coastal road.
1,237 Mangroves To Cut For Versova-Madh Bridge
There is currently no direct road connection between Versova and Madh. Commuters travelling between the two areas must take a longer route through Lokhandwala, Oshiwara, Link Road, or Marve Road. These routes are often congested, with the journey taking up to 1.5 hours during peak periods. The proposed bridge aims to eliminate this detour, which can add 18 to 20 km to the journey.
The bridge will begin at Madh Jetty Road and connect to Fisheries University Road in the Versova area of Andheri. It is expected to improve connectivity for residents and commuters travelling to Madh, Marve, the Air Force station, INS Hamla and parts of Malad and Kandivali.
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According to a civic official quoted by The Indian Express, the bridge could bring down travel time between Versova and Madh from around one to one-and-a-half hours to just five to 10 minutes. The project will have a total length of 2.06 km, including a 600-metre cable-stayed section. Its design will feature a 300-metre main span and two 150-metre back spans. The bridge is estimated to cost ₹2,395 crore. Its cable-stayed design is intended to reduce the number of supporting piers and limit the impact on the surrounding environment.
What To Know About Project Timeline And Deadline
The Versova-Madh connector has been under consideration for several decades. It was first proposed in Mumbai’s 1967 Development Plan, while the project blueprint was finalised in 2020. The BMC floated tenders in March 2023, and the project subsequently received in-principle approval from the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change.
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The Bombay High Court has now cleared the felling of 1,237 mangroves required for the project. With ground assessments underway, the civic body is preparing to move the project towards construction. The BMC has set March 31, 2029, as the target completion date.
Cover Image Courtesy: Wikimedia Commons
FAQs
What is Madh Island famous for?
Madh Island is famous for its serene beaches, historical landmarks, and traditional Koli fishing villages on the outskirts of Mumbai.
How can I travel from Versova to Madh Island?
You can travel from Versova to Madh Island by passenger ferry (fastest and cheapest) or by road / taxi.
What are the updates on the Versova-Madh Island bridge?
The Bombay High Court has cleared a major hurdle for the Versova–Madh Island Bridge project by permitting the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) to cut 1,237 mangrove trees.
