The ₹18,000 Crore Connection: Bandra-Versova Project Revised

The Union Ministry of Environment has approved key modifications to the Bandra-Versova Sea Link, leading to a 60% increase in the project cost—from ₹11,332.82 crore to ₹18,120.96 crore.

The revisions will also result in the removal of 1,799 mangroves, up from the earlier estimate of 1,585. The Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation proposed several design changes, including shifting three navigational spans near Juhu, reducing the number of lanes on two connectors, and extending the length of one connector. These changes have received environmental and Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) clearances.

The 9.89-km sea link, part of the broader Mumbai Coastal Road Project, is designed to significantly reduce travel time between Bandra and Versova from 45–60 minutes to around 10–15 minutes. It will connect with the Bandra-Worli Sea Link and is planned to extend further to Dahisar and Bhayandar in the future.

With approximately 30% of construction already completed, the project is targeted for completion by December 2028.

News by Rahul Yelligetti.