Mumbai: Versova-Bandra sea link gets state government approval

Mumbaikars may soon be able to cut down travel between Versova and Bandrathanks to the government of Maharashtra whichgave its nod to the Versova-Bandra sea link (VBSL) project on Monday.

The move comes eight years after the state cabinet committee on Infrastructure (SCCI) gave its approval. According to official reports, the SCCI had cleared the project on August 18,2009 after which the state government took another four years to get the Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) and environment clearance from the Centre.

The estimated cost of the entire project amounts close to Rs 7,502 crore as stated in a government resolution. The approximate length of the project is estimated to be about 17.17 kilometres. The government has approved the design plan at a height of 900 meters from the coastline. The mainfour-lane bridge of VBSL will be 9.60 kilometres. The cable-stayed bridge will be 0.30 kilometres long and the Balance Cantilever Bridge will be 0.10 km long.

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The Versova-Bandra sea link will have connectors at Bandra, Otters Club, Juhu Link Road and Versova Link Road. Toll plazas will be located at Bandra, Carter Road, Juhu-Koliwada and at the Nana-Nani Park.

Commuters will have to pay toll rates similar to the ones applicable to the Bandra-Worli sea link. The concession period shall be up to 2052. In case of any future change in the toll tax policy, the concession period will be revived as per the toll tax policy prevailing then.

Two separate contractors shall be appointed for toll collection, repairs and maintenance of the VBSL.