In a public notice, MSRDC announced, “MSRDC has declared 30.09.2025 as the last date for submission of applications from fisherfolk whose fishing activities will be affected due to the construction of the Versova-Bandra Sea Link (VBSL) project"
Construction of the Versova-Bandra Sea Link is underway as seen from Juhu Beach. FILE PIC/RANJEET JADHAV
As construction of the Versova-Bandra Sea Link (VBSL) continues, the Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation Limited (MSRDC) has invited applications from fisherfolk whose livelihoods will be impacted by the project. Fishing activities across six coastal villages are expected to be affected.
In a public notice, MSRDC announced, “MSRDC has declared 30.09.2025 as the last date for submission of applications from fisherfolk whose fishing activities will be affected due to the construction of the Versova-Bandra Sea Link (VBSL) project. In accordance with the Government Resolution of Agriculture, Animal Husbandry, Dairying and Fisheries (Government of Maharashtra) dated 09.03.2023, fisherfolk can submit their applications for compensation to the Project Manager, Versova-Bandra Sea Link Project & Executive Engineer, MSRDC Office, near Lilavati Hospital, opposite Bandra Reclamation Bus Depot, KC Marg, Bandra (West), Mumbai 400 050.”
A socio-economic survey by the Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS) identified 1637 fisherfolk living in the project’s ‘zone of influence’ — the geographical area around VBSL that may be positively or negatively impacted. According to media reports, of the 1637 affected individuals, around 864 reside in Khar Danda, with the rest spread across smaller villages, including Kadeshwari Mandir, Chimbai, Carter Road, Juhu Koliwada, and Mora Gaon near Rizvi College.
Fisherman Bhimshen Pandurang Khopte from Khardanda said the VBSL project will affect fish breeding and force small fish like shrimp to move away from the shore. “We’re not against the project but seek fair compensation for our future livelihoods, land rights, and related issues. Compensation must cover all fishing families, including fish vendors and labourers, not just boat owners. We’ve opposed the 2023 order, as it’s inadequate. Daily shore net fishermen earn '700 to'800, or '20,000to '30,000 monthly, which should guide compensation based on labour laws. We also demand long-term policy planning to protect our sea-based livelihood,” he said.
U Patil, a member of the National Fish Workers Forum and Maharashtra Machhimar Kriti Samiti, added, “We’ve been in ongoing discussions with various government departments regarding the project’s impact on fisherfolk livelihoods. While we support development, it should not come at the cost of our survival. The government will generate long-term revenue from this project, and the compensation policy must ensure a win-win outcome for our community. We plan to meet the chief minister and the fisheries minister soon to present our demands.”
Sources from Juhu Koliwada told mid-day that the fishing community has also urged authorities to ensure the Sea Link’s alignment does not obstruct the movement of fishing boats to and from the sea. The VBSL project’s cost has escalated from '11,332 crore (sanctioned in 2018) to '18,120 crore, an increase of '6,788 crore. The rise is attributed to the relocation of the casting yard from Juhu to Malad, along with added beautification and lighting work. Once operational, the VBSL is expected to significantly cut travel time between Bandra and Versova from the current 45 to 60 minutes to under 15 minutes. It will also help decongest key roads such as the SV Road, Western Express Highway, and the arterial Link Road between Andheri and Bandra.
According to MSRDC officials, the project will bring multiple indirect benefits, including lower vehicle maintenance costs, environmental improvements, increased land value, job creation, and reduced traffic-related stress for drivers.
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