Mumbai’s Versova-Dahisar Coastal Road To Impact 1,200 Trees, Says BMC

The Versova-Dahisar Coastal Road Project in Mumbai, part of the expansive Mumbai Coastal Road Phase II, is set to impact more than 1,200 trees across the Goregaon-Malad region. According to the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), a total of 1,244 trees will be affected-254 will be cut, while 990 will be replanted elsewhere.

The northern stretch of this ambitious project spans 18.47 km and includes a mix of elevated roads, cable-stayed bridges, and tunnels, designed to enhance connectivity across Mumbai's western suburbs. Aimed at easing traffic congestion in key areas such as Dahisar, Borivali, Kandivali, and Malad, the project will establish a direct, signal-free corridor between South Mumbai and the northern suburbs.

The estimated cost of Phase II ranges between ₹16,621 crore and ₹18,000 crore, factoring in land acquisition and construction complexities. While work has commenced in areas outside the Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ), sections falling within CRZ and mangrove regions await final environmental clearances.

To ensure transparency, the BMC Tree Authority has issued public notices inviting suggestions and objections regarding tree removal. Public hearings are scheduled for October 17, 2025, allowing citizens to voice environmental and local concerns.

Residents in neighborhoods such as Charkop have raised objections over potential loss of greenery, visual obstruction, and ecological damage, urging the civic body to prioritize compensatory replantation and mitigation measures.

The BMC maintains that it is pursuing all statutory approvals, including mangrove diversion clearances, to ensure that the project progresses responsibly.

Once completed-targeted for late 2028-the Versova-Dahisar Coastal Road is expected to significantly reduce travel time and improve urban mobility. Efforts remain ongoing to strike a balance between infrastructure expansion and environmental preservation through replantation drives and sustainable planning.