The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has finally received clearance from the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change to construct a cable-stayed flyover connecting Madh Island and Versova in Mumbai’s western suburbs. The project, proposed in 2015 and approved a decade later, is expected to significantly reduce travel time between the two areas—from 45-60 minutes during peak hours to just five minutes. Presently, there is no direct road connectivity, and commuters rely on jetties or a long detour via Link Road, SV Road, or the Western Express Highway. Ferry services are also unreliable during the monsoon.
Revised Madh-Versova Flyover Clears Hurdles with Eco-Friendly Cable-Stayed Design
Tenders for the project were floated in March 2023, and work orders were issued in September. The final project cost has risen to ₹2,395 crores—33% higher than the original estimate of ₹1,800 crores—due to updated market rates, labour charges, materials, and GST. The 2.06-km-long flyover will pass over the Marve Creek, which falls under the Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ), requiring various environmental approvals.
The BMC finalized the blueprint in 2020, but construction was delayed due to environmental and community concerns. The Maharashtra Coastal Zone Management Authority asked for an alternative alignment to reduce harm to the mangrove ecosystem. Additionally, the local Koli fishing community opposed the original plan, citing concerns over disruptions to their fishing activities and boat access. In response, BMC redesigned the alignment to ensure minimal environmental damage. The entire bridge will now be cable-stayed, limiting the extent of piling work required.
Flyover Set to Begin After Final Court Clearance
All major permissions are now secured, including those from the forest department and the state coastal authority. The BMC is preparing to submit its Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) report to the Bombay High Court for the final no-objection certificate. Construction is expected to begin by year-end, with a targeted completion timeline of three years.
Summary:
The BMC’s long-pending Madh-Versova flyover project has received environmental clearance. The 2.06-km cable-stayed bridge will cut travel time to five minutes. Revised to minimize environmental and community impact, it awaits final court approval. Construction is expected to begin by year-end and be completed within three years.
