Though Worli-Haji Ali Sea Link is yet to see the light of day, state gives go-ahead to Bandra-Versova link, which Juhu residents have objected to

Even as the Worli-Haji Ali Sea Link has been struggling to take off for the last two years, the Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC) has decided to go ahead with the plan to extend the iconic Bandra-Worli Sea Link northwards to Versova as well.

A nod to the 10-km Bandra-Versova Sea Link (BVSL) was given last Wednesday. An MSRDC official said, "The proposal of the Bandra-Versova Sea Link got a nod in the last meeting of the cabinet committee on infrastructure and a proposal will be sent to the Environment Ministry for further approval."

However, experts feel that as the BVSL project is yet to begin, it will be difficult for MSRDC to raise funds since the northward extension is almost thrice the length of the Worli-Haji Ali Sea Link (WHSL), which is 3.315 km.

But even the WHSL project's fate has been uncertain over the last couple of years, owing largely to the disagreement over the amount of the Viability Gap Funding (VGF). Bids for the project were first issued in 2008.

After Reliance-Hyundai emerged as the successful bidder, various hurdles cropped up; MSRDC refused to foot the VGF bill and the state refused to open its kitty.

Incidentally, the state government has already issued orders to allot the Rs 4,301-crore WHSL project to Reliance-Hyundai consortium, of which the MSRDC is to pay the VGF of Rs 1,392 crore despite its 'precarious financial health'.

However, an official from MSRDC said that the problem has been solved and the work will begin soon.

According to estimates made 3-4 years back, the MSRDC will have to spend Rs 3,600 crore for the BVSL project. Estimates have not been revised, and given the sea link's length, the cost is likely to go up.

Moreover, there has been opposition to the BVSL from Juhu residents, who believe the construction will mar the Juhu beach.