Bandra-Worli Sealink To Bandra Fort: Will This New Connector Ease Jams Or Crowd The Promenade?

A new road has been proposed to connect Bandra Fort at Bandstand directly to the Bandra-Worli Sealink, according to a Hindustan Times (HT) report. While the Maharashtra government believes this 1.26-km connector will ease traffic in Bandra (West), many local residents and regular visitors to the peaceful Bandstand promenade are concerned about how it may affect the area's calm environment.

The plan was officially announced on Monday by Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. He said the new connector is needed because people often face heavy traffic when travelling from the sealink towards Bandra. "Providing an additional connector to the sealink near the Bandra Fort will help smooth the traffic," Fadnavis said.

At present, vehicles coming from Worli enter Bandra either through Reclamation or via S.V. Road. Both routes get extremely congested during peak hours. The new connector is expected to offer an alternative entry point, possibly reducing the pressure on these two existing routes.

However, the planned exit point of the connector is near some sensitive locations - the historic Bandra Fort, Hotel Taj Lands End, and the site of another proposed luxury hotel. The Bandstand area is also popular among morning and evening walkers, who come for the sea breeze and scenic views. This has raised concerns that the new connector may disturb the peaceful surroundings and cause local crowding or safety issues.

The idea of this connector was first suggested in 2019 by BJP MLA Ashish Shelar, who had written to the government asking for a way to ease traffic in Bandra (West). The project was revived recently and has now received the state government's approval.

Officials from the Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC) said they have already prepared a plan and cost estimate. The total cost of the project is expected to be around Rs 1,800 crore. This includes Rs 600 crore for related work such as shifting affected residents, providing compensation, and other necessary arrangements.

Anilkumar Gaikwad, Managing Director of MSRDC, said the connector would serve not just Bandra but also South Mumbai and Versova, especially as the Bandra-Versova Sealink is also under construction. "It will be a four-lane road, 1.26 km long. Once we receive administrative approval, we will need about a year to complete clearances and tendering. After that, the actual construction should take two and a half years," Gaikwad explained.

As the project moves forward, residents and environmental groups are likely to raise further questions about its impact on local life and ecology. Whether it truly eases traffic or shifts the problem elsewhere remains to be seen.