Mumbai’s western coastline is undergoing a major transformation as the Versova–Bandra Sea Link (VBSL), officially named the Swatantrya Veer Savarkar Sea Link, approaches completion.
The 9.8 km, 4+4 lane motorway running parallel to the shore is expected to turn one of the city’s most congested suburban commutes into a swift coastal drive. Once operational, the VBSL will reduce travel time between Versova and Bandra to just 10–15 minutes, compared to the current 45–60 minutes.
By diverting traffic from the saturated Western Express Highway and SV Road, the project is anticipated to relieve pressure on Mumbai’s overburdened road network.
Engineering and Design
The sea link features a four-lane dual carriageway with multiple dispersal points and connectors. Planned exits at Carter Road, Juhu Koliwada, and Juhu Circle will distribute vehicles across residential and arterial roads, easing congestion on bottleneck stretches.
At the core of the project lies a 300-metre cable-stayed bridge, complemented by three additional navigation bridges, representing a high-precision marine engineering endeavour. The VBSL also integrates into the broader Mumbai Coastal Road Project, eventually extending northwards towards Dahisar and Bhayandar to form a continuous coastal express corridor parallel to the Western Express Highway.
Progress and Challenges
The project has faced setbacks, with costs escalating from the initial Rs 11.3 billion to nearly Rs 18.1 billion and delays pushing timelines by several years. Despite this, with 60 per cent of construction completed as of August 2025, officials are targeting an opening within two years.
Once completed, the VBSL is set to redefine daily commuting in Mumbai, offering a fast, efficient, and scenic alternative along the city’s western shore.
