Mumbai, May 17 -- The Versova-Bandra Sea Link (VBSL) project has crossed a major construction milestone with the first batch of pre-cast concrete segments being sailed into the Arabian Sea for the start of road deck work. Officials said the 17-km project, executed by the Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC), has reached about one-third completion. The sea link will connect Seven Bungalows near Versova with Bandra Reclamation and forms part of the government's larger plan to create seamless coastal connectivity along Mumbai's western shore. Once the full coastal road network is completed, commuters will be able to travel signal-free from Marine Drive to Palghar. The VBSL will extend around 900 metres into the Arabian Sea and will have cable-stayed sections with connectors at Bandra, Carter Road, Juhu Koliwada and Versova. Last month, Hindustan Times had reported that MSRDC received environmental and Coastal Regulation Zone clearances from the Union ministry of environment, forest and climate change for proposed modifications and expansion of the project. Documents accessed by HT showed the project cost escalating by nearly 60%, from Rs.11,332.82 crore to Rs.18,120.96 crore. The project's ground work commenced in 2018 and is slated for completion by December 2028....