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The Versova-Bandra Sea Link (VBSL), officially known as the Swatantrya Veer Savarkar Sea Link, is nearing completion and is set to become among the most important transport corridors in Mumbai’s suburbs. The project, which is currently under construction, aims to offer a high-speed road link between Versova and Bandra, reducing travel time and alleviating congestion on current suburban roads. The state government has entrusted the Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC) with the project.
The VBSL is a 9.8 km, 4+4 lane motorway running parallel to the western coastline of Mumbai. It will connect Bandra, Otters Club, Juhu and Versova, with dispersal points at Carter Road and Juhu Koliwada. It is situated about 900 to 1,800 metres from the coast and will feature multiple navigational spans, cable-stayed bridges and intermediate connectors, allowing for efficient dispersal of traffic into adjoining neighbourhoods.
The project also comprises a Bandra Connector (2.2 km), Carter Road Connector (2.6 km), Juhu Koliwada Connector (2.6 km), and extensions to Nana Nani Park, Juhu Circle, and the Versova side.
For commuters, the sea link will cut down travel time from Versova to Bandra to approximately 10-15 minutes, down from 45-60 minutes. By providing a coastal link, it will reduce pressure on local arterial roads like the Western Express Highway and SV Road, both of which see heavy suburban traffic.
The project is also included in the larger Mumbai Coastal Road Project to provide continuity of movement along the western side of the city. Besides, the enhanced road capacity will provide smoother traffic flows in the suburbs, enhancing connectivity for commuters and residents in general.
The central span of the project is a 300-metre cable-stayed bridge supplemented by three other navigation spans of 100-120 metres. Multi-lane toll plazas are to be located at varied dispersal points to manage vehicle traffic.
The construction includes sophisticated engineering practices like segment casting, pile caps and pier construction due to the difficulties in constructing on water.
According to the MSRDC, the Sea Link has attained 60 per cent completion as of August 2025. It is part of a comprehensive network of coastal roads and sea links meant to ease travel in Mumbai. It is anticipated that it will connect with future expansions to Dahisar and Bhayandar, creating a parallel to the Western Express Highway.
The project has incurred huge delays and cost overruns. Originally estimated at Rs 11,332.82 crore, the updated budget now stands at Rs 18,120.96 crore – an increase of Rs 6,788.14 crore. As per the state authorities, approximately 60 per cent of the construction work has been completed as of mid-2025.
The government has a target to complete the link in two years. Northward extension works, linking the section to Dahisar and Bhayandar, are to be completed in the next two to three years.
A senior official with the MSRDC said the Versova-Bandra Sea Link is meant to give Mumbai an alternative route to the Western Express Highway. “The emphasis has been on developing multiple connectors so that traffic spreads evenly into residential areas and drivers spend less time on the road. The project is a priority when it comes to enhancing suburban connectivity despite the difficulties involving marine construction as well as cost escalations,” the official stated.
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