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Initially, the project cost was estimated at INR 1,800 crore when the tenders were floated in March 2024. However, the final cost approved by the BMC earlier this week has now reached INR 3,246 crore. This covers building costs, maintenance for three years, casting yard rent, and variations in price resulting from manpower and material costs.

APCO Infratech Private Limited was picked as the successful bidder with the quote of INR 2,029 crore for the construction. The contract also includes a 24% provision for cost variation, amounting to INR 550 crore. According to a report by Indian Express, BMC officials have maintained that the increased estimate reflects changes in market conditions.

The flyover will be a total of 2.06 kilometers in length, featuring three cable-stayed sections of 150 meters, 300 meters, and 150 meters. The bridge will have four lanes on the cable-stayed portions and six lanes on the remaining length. It will span Madh Creek, linking Versova with Madh Island, which currently lacks direct road connectivity.

These areas are now only connected by a jetty. Monsoon also disrupts the jetty service. Travellers currently take over 45 minutes using Link Road, S V Road, or Western Express Highway during peak hours to get there. The new flyover will reduce travel time between Versova, Andheri, and Madh near Malad to just five minutes.

The project was initially proposed in 2015 but was delayed for many years. The final design was only completed by the BMC in 2020. Environmental concerns also delayed progress, as the alignment passes through a coastal regulatory zone and mangrove areas. The local fishing community also opposed the project.

In March 2022, the Maharashtra Coastal Zone Management Authority (MCZMA) asked for a new alignment to reduce the impact on mangroves. After receiving the necessary environmental clearances, the BMC was able to proceed with the project in January 2024.

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