The Madh-Versova Creek will shortly be crossed by a costly bridge in Mumbai. It would drastically lessen traffic in the area. The Maharashtra Coastal Zone Management Authority (MCZMA) has approved the project. The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has acquired the go-ahead from MCZMA. Also, BMC will soon announce a call for bids for the project.
MCZMA Has Approved The New Bridge
BMC completed this project’s blueprint back in 2020. However, the local government needed approvals from MCZMA because the route crosses through a substantial mangrove cover and coastal regulatory zone.
As soon as the Maharashtra Coastal Zone Management Authority (MCZMA) gave the project the go-ahead, the decks were cleared for the gigantic bridge that would span Madh-Versova Creek. The bridge will span Madh-Versova Creek and measure 1.5 km in length and 27.45 m in width. There will be two lanes on each side of the four-lane bridge.
Due to the reduction in travel time from the existing 90 minutes to 30 minutes, Versova and Madh will be easier to reach by car. In order to travel the distance, individuals currently use Lokhandwala, Oshiwara, Link Road, and Marve Road, all of which are regularly congested. The cable-stayed flyover is expected to cost over ₹700 crores.
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The BMC Intends To Increase Connectivity
As soon as the Coastal Road to Versova is completed, this will considerably aid in relieving Andheri’s congested traffic and serve as a crucial link. The fishermen’s community rejected the bridge’s original alignment along Versova Creek because it threatened their way of life. According to the new positioning, the bridge will be farther from Kawate Khadi Creek. The BMC is building vehicular bridges as part of an initiative to increase connectivity between the Andheri, Madh, Borivali, and Gorai regions.
The bridge was initially projected to cost ₹400 crore. However, due to cost inflation, that amount is now likely to rise. The 1.5 km long and 27.5 m wide cable-stayed flyover will be constructed. There will be two lanes on each side of the bridge’s four lanes. Also, according to civic officials, temporary culverts will be built during construction to minimise harm to mangroves.
Cover Image Courtesy: Wikimedia Commons
First Published: February 26, 2023 4:40 PM