The state urban development department received a proposal from the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) on last Monday, May 4. The proposal asks for approval for a major design change in the project. The revised plan includes a double-deck bridge across the Vasai Creek. The lower level of the bridge will carry Metro Line 13, while the upper level will be used for road traffic.
The bridge project is estimated to cost around INR 2,500 crore. Around 18 lakh people living in the Vasai-Virar region are expected to benefit from the project. The bridge will provide another route for residents who currently depend on the crowded 39-kilometre road journey.
The project was first planned in 2000. In 2013, the state government approved the bridge and tenders were expected to be issued. However, work on the project has still not started even after 13 years.
According to a report by HT, the project requires approvals from five government authorities. So far, approvals have already been received from the Maharashtra Maritime Board, the Inland Waterways Authority of India, and the Maharashtra Coastal Zone Management Authority.
However, permission is still pending from the state forest department and the salt commissioner. The bridge project requires mangrove land and salt pan land for construction.
Last week, a meeting regarding the project was held between MMRDA and several government officials. The meeting was attended by the state revenue secretary, the MMRDA commissioner, the Konkan divisional commissioner, and the Palghar district collector.
The acquisition of salt pan land remains one of the major pending issues. Compensation has to be paid to salt producers before the land can be taken for the project. Ten families, involving 119 people, have claimed rights over the salt pan land. They said they had maintained the land for generations.
At present, residents travelling between Vasai and Bhayandar use the NH-48 route through Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Road, Kashimira, and Mira-Bhayander. The journey covers around 39 kilometres and usually takes about 90 minutes.
Once completed, the proposed bridge will allow vehicles to cross the Vasai Creek in nearly 10 minutes. The route will reduce the distance to around five kilometres.