Update on Bandra-Versova sea link clearance

Local Press Co 5-point Snippet

1. After getting a nod from Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis last month, the Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC) is working tirelessly on making sure the Bandra-Versova Sea Link (BVSL) sees the light of day.

2. The BVSL will be a 9 km stretch connecting Bandra and Versova, similar to the existing Bandra-Worli Sea Link, and is estimated to cost around Rs 5000 crore.

3. After the BMC proposed coastal road project met with serious opposition, MSRDC officials cited that the BVSL is a more feasible option as it had already obtained the required permissions, especially the Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) clearance.

4. But, the National Green Tribunal has told MSRDC to get a clearance from the Ministry of Environment and Forests (MoEF) in addition to the CRZ clearance.

5. MSRDC has now initiated the process of inviting bids for the appointment of a consultant who will help get the environmental clearance from the MoEF. After acquiring the clearance, MSRDC will start inviting tenders for the construction of the sea link.