Mumbai's Rs 2,395 Crore Cable-Stayed Bridge Connecting Versova To Madh Gets Green Nod

The Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) has granted in-principle approval for the Rs 2,395 crore cable-stayed bridge connecting Versova and Madh Island, a move expected to slash travel time from 45 minutes to just 10, the Indian Express reported.

Construction is slated to begin by the end of this year, with completion targeted within three years, while minimising environmental impact.

Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal, MP from Mumbai (North), announced the clearance.

The clearance was needed as the project passes through large mangrove patches, making environmental approvals critical.

“This bridge will form a direct connectivity between Madh Island and Versova, removing the need for long detours and ferry services. To meet the future traffic needs, the bridge will be integrated with the upcoming coastal road that will connect Versova with Bhayander,” Goyal said.

Currently, there is no direct link between Versova and Madh, forcing commuters to travel via Link Road, SV Road, or the Western Express Highway.

The bridge, measuring 2.06 km, will pass above the Madh Creek as a cable-stayed structure, limiting piling work to minimise environmental impact.

The project, originally envisioned in the 1967 Development Plan, had tenders floated in March 2024 and work orders issued in September.

The final cost of Rs 2,395 crore is 33 per cent higher than the initial estimate of Rs 1,800 crore due to updated market rates, labor, materials, and GST, civic officials said.

Authorities now plan to approach the Bombay High Court, as the bridge passes over creeks and mangroves in the Coastal Regulation Zone.

“We have already secured permission from the forest department and the state coastal management authority. After the final NOC comes from the HC, we will go ahead with the construction work,” an official said.

The revised alignment, finalised in 2020 and adjusted after feedback from the Maharashtra Coastal Zone Management Authority and the local Koli community, ensures minimal damage to mangroves while safeguarding local livelihoods.

The three-year project is expected to significantly ease congestion in Mumbai’s western suburbs.

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