BMC's $₹2,395 Cr. Coastal Bridge Closer to Reality

The Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) has granted in-principle clearance to the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) for the construction of the Versova–Madh cable-stayed bridge, a ₹2,395 crore infrastructure project aimed at enhancing coastal connectivity in Mumbai.

Announced by Union Minister Piyush Goyal, the 2.06-km bridge will significantly reduce travel time between Versova and Madh Island—from the current 45–60 minutes to just 10 minutes. The bridge will also seamlessly integrate with the proposed coastal road network extending towards Bhayander, boosting regional connectivity and easing congestion in the western suburbs.

Originally envisioned in Mumbai’s 1967 Development Plan, the project had been stalled for decades due to environmental and regulatory constraints. It has now secured approvals from the forest department and coastal zone authorities, and awaits final clearance from the Bombay High Court.

Tenders were floated in March 2023, and construction is expected to commence by end of the year, with a targeted three-year completion timeline.

News by Rahul Yelligetti.