The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has issued a work order for the construction of the much-anticipated cable-stayed flyover between Madh and Versova, marking a significant milestone in the project. This development comes six months after the initial tenders were floated, leading to a substantial cost overrun.
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Project Specifications and Design
The Versova Creek, an inlet of the Arabian Sea, will be spanned by the proposed cable-stayed bridge. Key specifications include:
- Total Length: 2.06 km
- Width: 27.5 meters
- Lanes: 4 (Two lanes in each direction)
The bridge will provide a crucial link, significantly reducing travel time between Madh and Versova by approximately 5 minutes, offering a faster alternative to existing routes, including the jetty service, SV Road, and the Western Express Highway, which can take over 45 minutes during peak hours.
Project Cost and Financial Adjustments
Initially, APCO Infratech Pvt Ltd secured the project bid at ₹2,029 crore. However, the cost has since escalated by 60 percent to ₹3,246 crore due to adjustments for labor, material costs, market rate changes, and other expenses, including casting yard rent and maintenance costs. The tender for this project was first floated in March 2024, with the revised cost reflecting the current economic climate.
Challenges and Environmental Approvals
The project faced numerous challenges over the past decade. In 2020, the BMC finalized the bridge’s blueprint, but the plan required stringent environmental clearances due to its proximity to coastal regulatory zones and dense mangrove forests.
In March 2022, the Maharashtra Coastal Zone Management Authority (MCZMA) directed the BMC to explore alternative designs to minimize environmental damage, particularly to mangrove habitats. This directive delayed the project further, as the civic body worked to address these concerns.
Finally, in January 2024, the BMC obtained the necessary environmental clearances after extensive revisions, allowing the project to move forward.
Local Community Concerns
Despite securing these approvals, the project has faced opposition from the local fishing community in the Versova-Madh region. Fishermen have raised concerns that the bridge could disrupt boat parking and negatively impact their livelihoods, adding another layer of complexity to the project.
Expected Timeline and Impact
The flyover is expected to be completed within three years, significantly enhancing connectivity within Mumbai’s western suburbs. Once operational, it will provide a vital link, reducing travel time and easing traffic congestion in the region.
