Concerns have been raised by local citizens regarding the ongoing construction work of the connecting arm of the Versova-Bandra Sea Link (VBSL) project at Carter Road. VBSL is an extension of the Bandra-Worli Sea Link (BWSL) in the north direction connecting South Mumbai to the western suburbs till Versova, Andheri (West).
The VBSL project is being carried out by the Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation Limited (MSRDC) with a view to ease traffic congestion in western suburbs. As per information from the MSRDC, the total length of VBSL including connectors is 17.17 kilometres. The estimated cost of the project is Rs 6,993 crore and the project is scheduled to be completed by August 31, 2025.
The access road to the VBSL is being constructed starting from next to Otters Club at Carter Road serving as entry and exit points for vehicles. Asif Zakaria, Municipal Councillor, Ward no. 102, who wrote a letter dated February 2, 2021, to the MSRDC asking details about the plan, said, “I have proposed that a pedestrian underpass or overpass should be provided otherwise pedestrians will have to wait endlessly at the proposed crossing at entry or exit point.”
Zakaria further added, “In the proposed plan, a roundabout circle is proposed near Railway Colony at Carter Road, it appears that a part of the existing promenade will also be consumed for the same. If this happens then the Carter Road promenade will again be dissected in two parts and will deprive pedestrian access from either side.”
In response to Zakaria’s letter, MSRDC issued a letter dated February 4, 2021 stating, “The gabion access road serves as a medium to carry heavy machinery, labour and material to the ongoing construction work of the VBSL in the sea. This road is temporary and will be removed once the project is completed in the sea.”
MSRDC further stated, “The access road is temporary therefore any adverse impact on the environment is without any basis and reason. The local fishermen community has been apprised about the VBSL project work from time to time since 2011 onwards. While executing the VBSL project, MSRDC has ensured that work will be in full compliance with approvals and permissions obtained for the project and there is no illegal activity on the site.”
Zakaria has requested the MSRDC to arrange a joint site visit with the MSRDC and BMC officials to explain the plan and have a public hearing on the matter.
