Mumbai: The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has recently approved the construction of a new bridge over Versova Creek, linking Versova to Madh. This major infrastructure project, estimated to cost Rs 3,246 crore, includes not only the bridge’s construction but also three years of maintenance, the cost of the casting yard, and allowances for price fluctuations due to labor and material costs.
The approved budget covers Rs 2,038 crore for construction, with an additional Rs 550 crore allocated for cost variations. The total expenditure encompasses construction, maintenance, and ancillary costs. The bridge will span 2.06 km and feature three cable-stayed sections—150 m, 300 m, and 150 m. The cable-stayed sections will support four lanes each, while the remaining sections of the bridge will provide six lanes. It will accommodate vehicles traveling at speeds up to 100 kmph. The bridge will connect Amaranth Road near Versova Koliwada with Madh jetty.
Currently, a ferry service operates between these points but is limited to daytime hours. The new bridge will ensure continuous 24-hour connectivity. The bridge is slated for completion within 36 months. The BMC’s tendering process, which began in March 2024, closed in July, with the proposal receiving final approval in August. Originally proposed in 2015, the bridge project has undergone several revisions and cost updates. The initial estimated cost was around Rs 700 crore. By the time tenders were invited in March 2024, the cost had risen to Rs 2,038 crore, reflecting current market conditions.
The final blueprint was finalized five years after the initial proposal. The BMC has secured CRZ clearance from the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change. The Forest Department’s permission is still pending. The new bridge is expected to reduce travel distance to Madh Island and Aksha Village by 3-4 km compared to the current route via Malad, enhancing connectivity and potentially easing traffic congestion in the area.
