Madh–Versova Bridge Gets Forest Clearance, HC Nod Awaited

28 Jul 2025 CW Team

In a significant development for Mumbai’s infrastructure, the Madh–Versova bridge project has received environmental clearance from the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC). The 2.06-km cable-stayed bridge will connect the Madh and Versova jetties—currently linked only by a ferry service that halts during the monsoon—reducing the commute time from 90 minutes to a few minutes.

The project now awaits approval from the Bombay High Court to divert 2.7515 hectares of mangrove forest. As compensation, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has earmarked three hectares of land for afforestation, with plans to plant three trees for every one felled during construction.

Once the High Court grants clearance—expected within two to three months—the BMC aims to begin ground-level construction by October 2025. Land acquisition will follow the court’s nod.

To minimise environmental impact, the bridge will feature a cable-stayed design that requires fewer support pillars in the mangrove zone. It will also connect to the Versova interchange on the northern end of the Coastal Road, improving city-wide connectivity.

The Madh–Versova bridge has been proposed since the 1967 Development Plan. This recent push came after MP Piyush Goyal met with Maharashtra’s Forest Minister Ganesh Naik earlier this week, urging the state to expedite the project and seek MoEFCC clearance.

News source: Hindustan Times

Infrastructure Urban

06 Apr 2026

InsideFPV Delivers ₹10 Crore Kamikaze Drone Order Under MoD’s EPR Route

InsideFPV, a Surat-based drone technology manufacturer, has successfully executed a ₹10 crore defence contract to supply indigenous kamikaze drones under the Ministry of Defence’s Emergency Procurement Route (EPR). The company completed the delivery of hundreds of FPV kamikaze drone platforms within a rapid two-month timeframe, highlighting its ability to meet urgent military procurement timelines.The supply orders were fulfilled under the emergency procurement mechanism, which is aimed at fast-tracking acquisitions for immediate operational needs. InsideFPV’s quick execution reflects it..

Vedanta Resources Secures Fitch Upgrade to ‘BB-’, Best Rating Since 2015

Vedanta Resources Limited (VRL), a global player in metals, oil & gas, critical minerals, power and technology, has received a credit rating upgrade from Fitch Ratings, marking its strongest bond rating in over a decade.Fitch has raised Vedanta Resources’ Long-Term Foreign-Currency Issuer Default Rating (IDR) to ‘BB-’ from ‘B+’, while maintaining a Stable Outlook. The agency also upgraded VRL’s senior unsecured rating, along with the ratings of US dollar-denominated bonds issued by Vedanta Resources Finance II Plc and guaranteed by VRL, to ‘BB-’.The upgrade represents Vedan..

NAREDCO NextGen NCR Chapter Launched

The NAREDCO NextGen NCR Chapter was recently launched at Excelerate 2026 in Mumbai, marking a key step towards integrating emerging real estate leaders from the National Capital Region with the national platform. The initiative aims to promote sustainable and responsible urban development through collaboration and knowledge exchange.The event brought together young developers, entrepreneurs, and professionals from across NCR, including Noida, Gurugram, Ghaziabad, Faridabad, Bhiwadi, and Meerut. Discussions focused on urban development, finance, sustainability, innovation, and policy, emphasisi..