Mumbai: Compensation issue sorted, Versova-Bandra Sea Link work to pick up pace

The site of the under-construction Versova-Bandra Sea Link, a long-awaited project

Versova-Bandra Sea Link (VBSL) work, which is being carried out at a snail's pace, is poised to pick up speed as the issue of compensation for fishermen has been resolved, according to Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC) officials. An MSRDC official said, "Project work will now progress at a fast pace as the issue related to the compensation that has to be given to members of the fishing community has been resolved. At present, 12 per cent of work on the project has been completed."

In September 2023, mid-day in the report ‘Can't wait any longer for Versova-Bandra Sea Link' highlighted how the project had received coastal regulation zone (CRZ) clearance from the ministry of environment forest and climate change (MoEF&CC) as well as the demand of citizens residing in the western suburbs that the long-delayed project be completed as soon as possible.

At the time of publishing the story, only 10 per cent work on the project had been completed. Sources from the MSRDC told this newspaper that the reason for the slow pace of work was an unresolved issue related to the payment of compensation to the fishing community members. According to news reports, the VBSL is expected to impact around 1,600 fisherfolk who live and work within the project's ‘zone of influence'. The majority, approximately 864, live in Khar Danda, with the remainder dispersed over smaller villages at Kadeshwari Mandir, Chimbai, Carter Road, Juhu Koliwada and Mora Gaon near Rizvi College.

In 2019, MSRDC signed a contract agreement with R Infra and its international joint venture partner, the Italian company Astaldi, for the construction of the 17.7-km-long VBSL. However, the work is being carried out by WeBuild, a firm owned by Astaldi and its new joint venture partner APCO. R Infra is no longer involved in the project.

Once completed, the VBSL is expected to help save 45 to 60 minutes while travelling between Bandra and Versova. According to officials, the project will have indirect benefits like a reduction in the maintenance cost of vehicles along with environmental benefits, an increase in land appreciation, an increase in job opportunities and less congestion.

Toll and connectors

The one-way toll is expected to be between Rs 170 and Rs 200. The MSRDC has plans for three connectors. One will be near Bandra Bandstand. The second will pass over New Link Road, Daulat Nagar and SV Road near Milan subway and go to the Western Express Highway. The third will link the Nana Nani connector at Seven Bungalows in Versova to the Western Express Highway. Officials said all environment clearances, including the crucial CRZ clearances, are in place.