Mumbai: Monsoon Ferry Woes May End as Madh-Versova Bridge Nears Approval

After years of delay, the long-awaited Madh-Versova creek bridge project is finally moving ahead. Initially conceived in the 1967 Development Plan, the bridge recently received a significant boost after getting approval from the Forest Department. This was announced by Union Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal during a review meeting that included Forest Minister Ganesh Naik. As part of the environmental clearance, the authorities have decided that three new saplings will be planted for every tree cut. The estimated cost of the project is now stated at ₹2,400 crore, as work accelerates to meet long-pending connectivity needs between Madh and Versova.

Union Minister Goyal credited the recent progress to his regular follow-ups with various departments, authorities, and citizens. He highlighted that the state government has officially recommended the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation’s (BMC) proposal to the central government for final environmental and statutory approvals. He also praised Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis for playing a key role in pushing the project forward. Goyal emphasized the need for a detailed action plan and a robust monitoring mechanism to ensure proper execution. After necessary site inspections and technical verification, the state has cleared the proposal and sent it to the Centre.

Once completed, the bridge will transform local commuting by reducing the travel time from 90 minutes to just five minutes. It will also cut the distance between Madh and Versova from 22 kilometers to just 1.5 kilometers. Designed as a cable-stayed bridge, it will span 2.06 kilometers across the Versova Creek with a width of 27.5 meters. The structure will carry four lanes—two in each direction—and will link Amarnath Road, near Versova Koliwada, to Madh Jetty. This new direct road connection is expected to benefit thousands of daily commuters currently dependent on ferry services.

The contract for the bridge was awarded on August 29, 2024. According to official estimates, the project will cost ₹3,990 crore, which includes construction, three years of maintenance, casting yard rental, and buffers for rising labor and material costs. The total completion timeline is 42 months, with six months allocated specifically for securing clearances and no-objection certificates. With renewed political will and inter-departmental coordination, the authorities aim to prevent further delays and ensure that the project remains on track for timely delivery.

The proposed bridge alignment passes through mangrove-rich areas and falls within the Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ). The Maharashtra Coastal Zone Management Authority (MCZMA) had initially suggested exploring alternative routes to minimize ecological disruption. Responding to this, the BMC revised the design and alignment, eventually securing MCZMA’s approval in February 2023. The project also includes the exchange of 2.7515 hectares of mangrove land with three hectares of alternate land. Goyal assured that the Centre will continue to monitor the project closely, maintaining consistent oversight to see it through to completion and ensuring minimal impact on the local environment.