New Bandra-Worli Sealink to Bandra Fort road gets nod, but concerns over displacement remain

A new 1.26-km road has been approved to link Bandra Fort at Bandstand directly to the Bandra-Worli Sea Link. Maharashtra government believes the project will ease traffic congestion in Bandra (West), but concerns are growing over its impact on the area's calm environment. 

Currently, vehicles from Worli enter Bandra via Reclamation or S.V. Road, both heavily congested during peak hours. The proposed connector aims to provide an alternative entry point, potentially reducing pressure on these two main routes.

Originally proposed in 2019, the connector has now received formal approval. The connector’s exit point is close to sensitive landmarks such as the Bandra Fort and Hotel Taj Lands End. The Bandstand promenade, popular with walkers and tourists for its sea views and tranquil setting, may see increased traffic, raising fears about safety and environmental disruption.

The connector is planned as a four-lane road serving Bandra, South Mumbai, and Versova. Once administrative clearance is granted, one year is expected for obtaining necessary permissions and completing the tendering process. Construction is projected to take two and a half years. 

The Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC) has prepared the plans and estimates a total cost of ₹1,800 crore, with ₹600 crore allocated for resettlement and related works. 

Local residents and environmental groups are likely to object to the project, citing its potential impact on the area’s ecosystem and quality of life. Whether the new route effectively resolves traffic issues or simply redistributes them remains uncertain.