Nariman Point-Colaba Bridge Clears CRZ Hurdle

The Maharashtra Coastal Zone Management Authority (MCZMA) has recommended the proposed Nariman Point-Colaba coastal bridge project to the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) for further approvals.

The project, proposed by the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA), involves the construction of a four-lane coastal stilt bridge with two-level ramps to provide a direct road link between Nariman Point and Colaba/Cuffe Parade in South Mumbai.

The proposal was discussed during the 200th meeting of the MCZMA held on July 23, 2026, and the authority decided to recommend the project subject to a series of environmental conditions aimed at protecting the coastal ecosystem, marine life, and fishing activities in the area.

The proposed bridge is expected to provide an alternative connection between the two key business districts, reduce travel time, ease congestion on Captain Prakash Pethe Marg and adjoining roads, and improve connectivity to the Mumbai Coastal Road and Metro Line-3 corridor.

According to the proposal submitted by MMRDA, the bridge alignment will start from Subhash Chandra Bose Road near Nariman Point and terminate at Captain Prakash Pethe Marg/Rodehouse Marg at Colaba. The total project length, including ramps, is approximately 1.869 km.

The project involves land acquisition of around 1,765.51 square metres and is expected to generate around 2,212 cubic metres of muck from excavation and piling activities. The Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) report highlighted several potential environmental impacts during construction, including the removal and shifting of 79 trees.

The project implementing agency has been asked to coordinate construction schedules with local fishing activities and locations to minimise disruption to fishermen. The authority has also mandated obtaining a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the Commissioner of Fisheries before commencement of work.

The proposed Nariman Point-Colaba bridge is part of Mumbai’s expanding coastal infrastructure network and is expected to improve connectivity and reduce congestion in the area.

The recommendation from MCZMA is a significant step forward for the project, and the MMRDA will now await further approvals from the MoEF&CC before commencing construction.

The project is expected to have a positive impact on the local economy and improve the quality of life for residents and commuters in the area.

In conclusion, the Nariman Point-Colaba bridge project has cleared a significant hurdle with the recommendation from MCZMA, and the project is now one step closer to becoming a reality.