Bandra gets a ₹1,722-crore VBSL link to Fort — will it ease traffic?

The Maharashtra government has greenlit a ₹1,722-crore Bandra Fort connector as part of the Versova-Bandra Sea Link (VBSL), aimed at alleviating traffic congestion on the city's narrow roads. Once completed, the 3.55-km stretch near Bandra Fort will complement the existing six VBSL access points, including the Otters Club, Juhu Koliwada, and Nana Nani Park.

Geotechnical surveys are underway, and tendering for the project is expected to commence within the next two to three months. The connector, which will consist of two lanes in each direction, will cost Rs 1,183.79 crore to construct, with the remaining Rs 540.61 crore to be funded by the Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC).

The state government will allocate Rs 1,183 crore through its budget, while the MSRDC will cover the rest of the expenses. The Bandra Fort connector, the fourth access point for the VBSL, is anticipated to be operational by May 2028, following a construction timeline of 18 months to two years from the contractor's appointment.