30.10.09

Versova Bandra Sea Link snippets

The Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC) has invited global bids to appoint consultants to finalise the alignment and prepare design and estimates for the Versova-Bandra Sea Link (VBSL) project. An official from the MSRDC said, “We had shortlisted three possible route alignments—along the coast, in the sea and partly through sea-partly through land—to connect Bandra to Versova. The successful bidder will study all three routes and suggest the most viable option.’’ The distance between Versova and Bandra is approximately 11 kms. The MSRDC plans to construct a four-lane VBSL in the first phase of the project. The remaining four lanes will be constructed some years later, depending on the traffic flow. The official said, “Apart from recommending the best possible route, the consultant will have to carry out an environment impact assessment study, get environmental clearance and no-objection certificates from various authorities.’’ The estimated cost of executing the project, at the prevailing rates, would not be less than Rs 5,000 crore. VBSL will work as the fourth corridor (SV road, Western Express Highway and Link road being the other three) for north and south bound traffic in the western suburbs. Unlike the Western Freeway and Bandra-Worli Sea Link, that are aimed a reducing traffic on the city road, the VBSL will help decongest the arterial road network in the Western suburbs.

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