{
  "id": 5461393,
  "title": "Bandra gets a ₹1,722-crore VBSL link to Fort — will it ease traffic?",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/04/bandra-gets-a-1-722-crore-vbsl-link-to-fort-will-it-ease-traffic",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-04T01:30:38.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Indian Express",
    "slug": "the-indian-express",
    "url": "https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/mumbai/bandra-gets-a-%e2%82%b91722-crore-vbsl-link-to-fort-will-it-ease-traffic-10862331/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "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.",
  "summary": null,
  "key_points": [
    "Maharashtra approves ₹1,722-crore Bandra Fort connector as part of VBSL.",
    "3.55-km stretch near Bandra Fort to complement existing VBSL access points.",
    "Construction to begin within two to three months, operational by May 2028."
  ],
  "editors_take": "The Bandra Fort connector project signals a shift in traffic management strategy, potentially easing congestion by providing an alternative route, and benefits from significant government and MSRDC funding.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}