The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has issued work orders for constructing a cable-stayed bridge linking Versova and Madh. The project, which has been in planning since 2015, is finally set to commence, reducing the travel time between these two areas to just five minutes. Initially estimated at a cost of ₹1,800 crore when tenders were first floated in March 2024, the project’s budget has now escalated to ₹3,246 crore.
This sharp 60% increase accounts for various factors, including construction expenses, a three-year maintenance period, rental for the casting yard, and adjustments for fluctuations in manpower and material costs. APCO Infratech Private Limited has been awarded the contract, with a bid of ₹2,029 crore for the construction alone. The contract includes a provision for a 24% cost variation, amounting to ₹550 crore. According to BMC officials, the revised budget reflects the dynamic changes in market conditions, particularly in raw material and labour costs.
The 2.06-kilometre bridge will feature three cable-stayed sections of 150 meters, 300 meters, and 150 meters, respectively. The cable-stayed portions will have four lanes, while the remaining length will include six lanes. This new flyover will connect Versova to Madh Island across Madh Creek, significantly improving the current situation where these areas are only accessible by a jetty or through a 45-minute drive via Link Road, S V Road, or the Western Express Highway. During the monsoon, the jetty service often gets disrupted, causing further inconvenience to commuters.
The project, which had been initially proposed in 2015, faced several delays due to design finalisation and environmental concerns. The final design was only approved by the BMC in 2020. The bridge’s alignment passes through a coastal regulatory zone and mangrove areas, which triggered opposition from environmentalists and local fishing communities. In March 2022, the Maharashtra Coastal Zone Management Authority (MCZMA) mandated a revised alignment to minimise the impact on the mangrove ecosystem. The project received the necessary environmental clearances in January 2024, allowing the BMC to move forward.
Once completed, the Versova-Madh bridge is expected to transform the commuting experience for thousands of residents, providing a swift, reliable alternative to current routes. The bridge will not only reduce travel time but also alleviate traffic congestion on other major roads and provide a vital link between Versova, Andheri, and Madh near Malad. By bridging these regions, the BMC aims to bolster local economic development, support tourism, and improve overall accessibility in the city’s western suburbs. This infrastructure initiative reflects Mumbai’s broader commitment to enhancing urban mobility and sustainability. As work begins, the city awaits the transformative benefits this bridge is set to deliver.
