India, April 7 -- The Union environment ministry has approved the proposed alterations to the Bandra-Versova Sea Link, which will result in a 60% escalation in the project's cost, from Rs.11,332.82 crore to Rs.18,120.96 crore, and the removal of 1,799 mangroves instead of 1,585 previously, according to officials aware of the developments.

The modifications sought by the Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC) include shifting three navigational spans at Juhu, reducing the number of lanes on two connectors to the sea link, and increasing the length of one of the connectors, according to a document accessed by HT.

The project, also known as Swatantrya Veer Savarkar Setu, received environment and coastal regulatory zone (CRZ...