The Union environment ministry has approved changes to the Bandra–Versova Sea Link project. This has led to an increase in cost and mangrove loss. The revised cost has gone up by nearly 60%, from INR 11,332.82 crore to INR 18,120.96 crore.
As per reports, the project has received environmental and coastal regulatory zone (CRZ) clearance for the proposed modifications. The approval was granted by the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change. Now, the project will result in the removal of 1,799 mangroves, higher than the earlier estimate of 1,585.
As per a report by HT, the Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC) has proposed several design changes. These include modifications to three navigational spans at Juhu. The plan also reduces the number of lanes on two connectors linked to the sea bridge. In addition, one of the connectors will be extended.
Earlier, the ministry had rejected the proposal in June of the previous year. It had suggested replacing the term “modification” with "extension". The revised proposal was now approved with the latest changes.
The 9.89-kilometre sea link is part of the larger Mumbai Coastal Road project. It will pass through the Arabian Sea and connect key areas. The project includes four mainland connectors at Bandra, Carter Road, Juhu Koliwada, and Versova. Once completed, it is expected to reduce the distance between Bandra and Versova from 45 to 60 minutes to around 10 to 15 minutes.
The sealink was first proposed in 2009. It received CRZ clearance in January 2013. In February 2019, the MSRDC decided to extend the project timeline. A revised proposal was later submitted to the environment ministry. This revised plan was discussed in meetings held in March and June 2025.
So far, only 30% of the work has been completed. The furthest constructed segment extends about 900 metres into the Arabian Sea. The project is expected to be completed by December 2028. The sea link will also connect with future coastal road extensions towards Dahisar and Bhayandar. It will further link with the Bandra-Worli Sea Link.