Opposition from environmentalists as well as residents and various problems during execution of Coastal Road between Bandra and Versova is making the state government revive its Versova-Bandra Sea Link project despite having scrapped the entire sea link project on Mumbai's Western Coast.
Therefore, there is a possibility of a Coastal Road that snakes from South Mumbai to Kandivli — completely skipping the Bandra-Versova section.
As the state government has given nod to Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation's (BMC) Coastal Road plan instead of the chain of sea links, the most problematic section for implementation is between Bandra and Versova.
"There are too many problems on this stretch and mangroves too will be affected to construct the project. If Mumbai needs to be given improved commuting experience in a lesser time Versova-Bandra Sea Link is the alternative," said a state official.
Moreover, the Rs9,000 crore coastal road is likely to also affect Juhu Beach in some form during and after the construction stages. Planners believe that by having the sea bridge, it will also resolve the stiff opposition that is being voiced by environmentalists, residents, fisher folks and independent transport analysts. Additionally, the bridge will be 1,200m into the Arabian Sea from the coast at Juhu Beach, thereby not affecting the tourism activity.
"Out of five packages for execution of Coastal Road, one of the packages for this section can be dropped," added the senior official.
However, it is not yet decided as to what financial model will be adopted for the sea link and if there will be a toll, similar to Bandra Worli Sea Link.
In January 2013, Versova Bandra Sea Link had received Coastal Regulation Zone clearance from the Union Ministry of Environment and Forest. But, in 2015, the National Green Tribunal in its order asked the Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation to also secure Environment Clearance. The petition was filed by activist Dileep Nevatia.
Therefore, the MSRDC will now have to conduct Environmental Impact Assessment study and also have to move its application with NGT for clearance. To achieve this, the MSRDC has initiated the process of appointing a consultant to obtain Environment Clearance.
In early 2014, the estimated cost of this 10-km long sea link was Rs5,975 crore, which is yet to be revised and has certainly increased.
