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Great news for the commuters of Mumbai! The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has been given the green light to undertake a game-changing infrastructure project.
Thanks to the approval from the Maharashtra Coastal Zone Management Authority (MCZMA), a new cable-stayed bridge in Mumbai will soon be constructed.
This will be a major relief for those travelling between Madh island and Versova as it will substantially reduce their travel time.
Ambitious Infrastructure Project
The BMC has been putting in immense efforts towards this project for almost ten years now.
After much planning and hard work, the final blueprint for the new cable-stayed bridge was confirmed in 2020.
It’s exciting to learn that the upcoming bridge will be an impressive 1.5 km long and 27.5 m wide, featuring four lanes – two on each side.
The project is expected to cost around Rs 400 crores, showcasing the significance of this new infrastructure development.
Cutting Travel Time
Currently, the only means of travel between Versova and Madh island is by ferry, which isn’t available during the monsoon season for four months due to the rising water level.
The only other option is to take a 22-kilometre road journey via the Western Express Highway (WEH) or SV Road, which can take anywhere between 45 to 90 minutes.
However, the BMC officials have promised that the new cable-stayed bridge will significantly reduce the current travel time to a mere 7-10 minutes.
This exciting news will be a huge time-saver for people who frequently travel between these two locations.
Overcoming Hurdles
The journey to approval for this project wasn’t without its obstacles.
Last year, the MCZMA asked the BMC to change the bridge’s alignment to protect the nearby mangrove forests.
Additionally, members of the Versova-Madh fishing community had concerns about parking their boats.
However, BMC officials have reassured them that the latest alignment plan of the bridge is acceptable to everyone involved, including the fisherfolk and coastal zonal authorities.
Looking Ahead
After overcoming several hurdles, the BMC has finally received the green light to construct the much-awaited cable-stayed bridge, which is set to become an essential part of Mumbai’s infrastructure.
The bridge will provide relief to commuters, particularly during monsoons when ferry services are not operational.
The BMC is now expected to float a tender for the project soon.
This project will enhance the city’s connectivity and reduce travel time, which is excellent news for both the residents and businesses of Mumbai.