A bridge first proposed in 1967 may finally begin construction as the long-awaited Madh-Versova Bridge nears a crucial approval from the Forest Department.
Once this clearance is obtained, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) is set to seek final permission from the Bombay High Court, bringing the project closer to execution after nearly six decades. The 2.06 km-long bridge will link the jetties of Madh and Versova across the creek, cutting down the current 90-minute road commute—via JP Road, Link Road, and Mith Chowky—to under five minutes. With Versova Creek crossings limited to boats, especially inaccessible during monsoons, the project promises transformative change for thousands of residents in Madh, Aksa, Bhatti, Erangal, and nearby areas. The bridge is expected to cost between ₹2,395 crore and ₹3,984 crore, including overheads and land management. It will also act as a feeder to the proposed Versova-Bhayandar Coastal Road, improving access from Malad and other western suburbs to Versova and beyond. While the bridge remained dormant for decades, it gained traction after 2015, when authorities began environmental studies. Tenders were issued in 2019, but it was only in early 2024 that the project received Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) approval. A redesigned cable-stayed structure with minimal pillars was proposed after the Union Environment Ministry raised concerns over the ecological impact on mangroves.
The final design features a 100-metre-tall stainless steel pylon to withstand sea corrosion. To protect local communities, the Versova approach road has been realigned to avoid fishing hamlets. The BMC restarted tendering in March and issued work orders in September. Of the total estimated budget, ₹1,598 crore has been earmarked for land acquisition and administrative expenses. Fisherfolk and daily commuters have long advocated for the bridge, noting that it will reduce the time and cost required to access hospitals, schools, and basic amenities in Versova. Currently, fishermen spend nearly two hours transporting supplies like diesel and ice from Malad. While optimism surrounds the imminent start of construction, residents and citizen groups have flagged the need for supporting infrastructure on both ends. Without this, the improved commute could result in local traffic congestion. The bridge also comes at a crucial time, providing relief as the city’s Coastal Road remains under development.
The Madh-Versova Bridge, if completed as planned, could finally bridge the gap between vision and reality—58 years in the making.
