Further permissions from the forest department and the High Court are required due to the impact on mangroves.

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has successfully obtained Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) clearances from the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change for the construction of a cable-stayed bridge spanning the Versova Creek, connecting Versova with Madh Island in Mumbai’s western suburbs. However, additional permissions from the forest department and the High Court are pending due to potential impacts on mangroves.

The proposed bridge, once completed, aims to significantly reduce travel time between Versova and Madh, slashing the current 1.5-hour journey to just 10 minutes. Currently, the lack of a direct road connection forces commuters to rely on ferries, which are non-operational for four months during the monsoon, causing inconvenience.

The BMC’s plan includes a 1.5 km-long cable-stayed flyover with four lanes, promising enhanced connectivity. Despite facing hurdles related to environmental concerns, the project has gained momentum with recent clearances from the Maharashtra Coastal Zone Management Authority (MCZMA) and the central government. Additionally, plans for a vehicular bridge at Dharivali village have been approved, further advancing connectivity in the region.

However, local fishing communities in Versova and Madh have voiced opposition, citing concerns over the impact on their boat parking facilities. To address these issues, the BMC intends to implement measures to minimize damage, including the creation of temporary culverts. With an estimated cost of Rs700 crore, the project represents a significant investment in enhancing Mumbai’s infrastructure.