A crucial artery in Mumbai’s ambitious infrastructure overhaul, the proposed Ramchandra Bridge, designed to link Mindspace in Malad West to Malad-Marve Road, is currently ensnared in legal complexities, primarily awaiting a definitive nod from the Bombay High Court. This bridge, a vital component of the larger Mumbai Coastal Road project, is anticipated to significantly alleviate the persistent congestion plaguing the New Link Road. However, its completion, initially eyed for much sooner, is now projected to extend until at least 2028, underscoring the intricate balance between urban development and environmental conservation in the bustling metropolis.
Conceived within the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation’s (BMC) Development Plan 2034, the Ramchandra Bridge gained traction in 2021 as a solution to Mumbai’s escalating traffic woes. It promises to offer residents and office-goers in Malad West a much-needed alternative route and seamless connectivity to an interchange point of the upcoming Versova-Bhayandar Coastal Road. However, its path is not without ecological challenges. As the construction area falls within a Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ), involving the potential diversion of approximately 0.7 hectares of mangroves, the BMC has undertaken extensive environmental due diligence. The civic body has already remitted ₹15 lakh for the compensatory afforestation of these mangroves, demonstrating a commitment to mitigating environmental impact.
The BMC has diligently secured clearances from various state and central authorities, including the Maharashtra Coastal Zone Management Authority (MCZMA), the state forest department and mangrove cell, and the Union Ministry of Environment and Forests. Despite these approvals, the final hurdle remains the Bombay High Court’s sanction, specifically for the diversion of mangroves, a process necessitating judicial oversight. Officials from the BMC’s bridge department have affirmed that the bridge’s design incorporates stainless steel girders on stilts, a choice intended to minimise disruption to the sensitive mangrove ecosystem by situating the structure closer to the landward side where existing buildings are present. Adding to the complexities, the project also faces a pending land acquisition case in the High Court. A landowner in Mindspace has initiated legal proceedings, contesting the impact of the bridge on their property. The resolution of this dispute, potentially involving compensation, is a prerequisite before the BMC can seek the final judicial clearance to commence construction. While civic authorities express optimism about initiating work by October, the practical timeline hinges on these critical legal clearances.
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Local residents, while acknowledging the dire need for an alternative to the perennially choked New Link Road, remain cautiously optimistic about the bridge’s completion. The existing traffic situation, exacerbated by ongoing Coastal Road work and unregulated roadside activities, paints a grim picture for daily commuters. There is also a preliminary discussion regarding an additional arm for the bridge near the Atharva College of Engineering on Malad-Marve Road. This proposed extension aims to further enhance connectivity for areas like Charkop and Malwani, although its feasibility is still under evaluation through ongoing traffic studies. The bridge project thus serves as a compelling case study of the multifaceted challenges inherent in developing sustainable, eco-friendly urban infrastructure within densely populated coastal cities. The outcome of these legal and environmental considerations will ultimately determine the pace of Mumbai’s journey towards more equitable and efficient urban mobility.
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