The Madh-Versova bridge, a long-awaited project planned since 1967, is finally gearing up to start construction by October, offering a vital 2.06 km link and promising to cut down travel time significantly. The bridge, which will span the Versova creek between the Versova and Madh jetties, is currently in the survey phase by the Forest Department, awaiting its NOC. Once this step is completed, the BMC will seek approval from the Bombay High Court to kickstart construction operations.
The existing mode of crossing the creek is through a boat, taking under 5 minutes and costing ₹10-15, more if you’re bringing a bike along. However, this option is not feasible for four-wheelers or during the monsoon season when boats are unable to operate. The alternative route involves a 22-km, 90-minute drive through JP Road, Link Road, and Mith Chowky. The Madh-Versova bridge, with an estimated cost of ₹2,395-3,984 crore, will provide a quick under 5-minute alternative for commuters, facilitating easier access to essential amenities in Versova for residents of Madh, Aksa, Bhatti, and Erangal.
Resurrected in 2015 after nearly six decades of dormancy, the plans for the bridge faced a setback when the Union environment ministry requested a redesign to minimize the impact on the environment, particularly the thriving mangroves in the area. As a result, a cable-stayed design was proposed, reducing the number of stilts required and ensuring the alignment of the approach road avoids disrupting the fishing villages in Versova. With the Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) nod received from the central government in early 2024, the BMC resumed the tendering process, issuing work orders in September. Despite a contract cost of ₹2,395 crore, an additional ₹1,598 crore is allocated for overheads, emphasizing the importance of comprehensive road infrastructure at both ends of the bridge to accommodate the anticipated increase in traffic volume. The Madh-Versova bridge is expected to alleviate congestion on the Link Road and provide a much-needed alternative route for commuters traveling between the northern suburbs and Versova.
