Mumbai’s 9.8 Km Versova-Bandra Sea Link Nears Completion: A Game Changer for Coastal Commuters
Mumbai’s 9.8 Km Versova-Bandra Sea Link Nears Completion: A Game Changer for Coastal Commuters
Mumbai is set to welcome a transformative addition to its infrastructure with the near-completion of the Versova–Bandra Sea Link (VBSL) — officially named the Swatantrya Veer Savarkar Sea Link. Stretching 9.8 kilometers along the western coastline, this massive engineering project promises to cut travel time between Versova and Bandra from the current 45–60 minutes to just 10–15 minutes.
According to the Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC), over 60% of the project work was completed as of August. Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis recently confirmed in a statement to CNBC that the sea link is progressing steadily and is on track to be completed within the next two years.
The VBSL is a key element of Mumbai’s Coastal Road Project, which aims to decongest city traffic and improve connectivity across the city’s western suburbs. Once operational, the sea link will offer a much-needed alternative route to the Western Express Highway, easing pressure on existing road networks.
Route and Connectivity
The sea link will connect Bandra, Otters Club, Juhu, and Versova, offering multiple entry and exit points via dedicated connectors:
Carter Road Connector – 2.6 km
Bandra Connector – 2.2 km
Juhu Koliwada Connector – 2.6 km
Strategic dispersal points have also been planned at Juhu Circle, Carter Road, and Juhu Koliwada to facilitate smooth traffic flow into residential areas. The central attraction of the project is a 300-meter cable-stayed span, supported by three navigational spans ranging from 100 to 120 meters.
Constructed between 900 and 1,800 meters off the coast, the VBSL is designed to reduce urban disruption while also integrating enhancements to nearby public spaces such as Nana Nani Park, Juhu Circle, and the Versova area.
Initially estimated at Rs 11,333 crore, the total cost of the project has now risen to nearly Rs 18,121 crore — an increase of Rs 6,788 crore. According to officials, the cost escalation is mainly due to engineering complexities, environmental challenges, and construction delays.
Once completed, the Versova–Bandra Sea Link is expected to drastically reduce congestion on suburban roads, streamline coastal traffic, and provide a faster, more efficient commute for thousands of daily travelers.
A senior MSRDC official noted that the multiple connectors are a key feature aimed at evenly distributing traffic into residential neighborhoods and cutting down overall travel time.
