First phase of Mumbai coastal road project to be opened in eight days, says Uday Samant

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Maharashtra industries minister Uday Samant on Thursday said that the first phase of Mumbai coastal road project connecting Marine Drive with Worli will be opened to the public in eight days.

While speaking in the legislative council, Uday Samant informed,"The first phase of the coastal road which will connect Marine Drive and Worli will be opened to the public in eight days. This will reduce the travelling time on the busy route to just eight minutes."

The Coastal Road project in Mumbai has been a subject of significant debate and discussion, touted as a transformative infrastructure initiative aimed at easing congestion and enhancing connectivity along the city's western coastline. As one of the largest urban infrastructure projects in India, the Coastal Road has captured public attention, sparking conversations about its potential benefits, environmental impact, and socio-economic implications.

Mumbai Coastal Road project: Overview

The Coastal Road project envisages the construction of an approximately 29.2-kilometer-long freeway along Mumbai's western coastline, stretching from Marine Drive in South Mumbai to Kandivali in the northern suburbs. The proposed road aims to provide a direct and uninterrupted corridor for vehicular traffic, bypassing congested inland routes and offering scenic views of the Arabian Sea.

Also Read: Mumbai Coastal Road project: Here's all you need to know

Mumbai Coastal Road project: Traffic decongestion

The Coastal Road promises to alleviate chronic traffic congestion plaguing Mumbai's arterial roadways, offering an alternative route for commuters traveling along the city's western coastline. By diverting vehicular traffic away from congested inland roads, the project seeks to reduce travel times, ease bottlenecks, and enhance overall traffic flow within the city.

The ongoing first phase covers the 10.5-km-long south section, linking Marine Drive with the Bandra-Worli Sea Link. The project will have two underground tunnels at Malabar Hill and Girgaon Chowpatty. The estimated cost of the phase 1 is approximately Rs 12,700 crore.

Mumbai Coastal Road project: What is the status?

The first phase of the Mumbai Coastal Road was supposed to be inaugurated by Prime Narendra Modi on February 19, but it has been postponed.

Mumbai Coastal Road project: Toll charges

Earlier in January, Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde had said that the Mumbai coastal road connecting Marine Drive with Bandra-Worli Sea Link will be toll-free.