Mumbai, India's financial capital, is infamous for its traffic congestion and long commuting hours. To address these issues and improve road infrastructure, the Mumbai Coastal Road Project (MCRP) was launched. This ambitious project aims to provide a seamless and faster commuting experience along the western coastline of Mumbai.
The project is being developed by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) and is expected to revolutionize the city’s road network by decongesting major arterial roads and reducing travel time significantly.
This article provides a detailed overview of the Mumbai Coastal Road Project, including its objectives, features, route details, benefits, challenges, and expected impact.
What is the Mumbai Coastal Road Project?
The Mumbai Coastal Road Project (MCRP) is an 8-lane expressway being constructed along Mumbai’s western coastline to connect Marine Drive in South Mumbai to Kandivali in the western suburbs. The project is divided into two phases:
Phase 1 (South Mumbai to Worli) – 10.58 km
Phase 2 (Worli to Kandivali) – 19.22 km
The first phase is expected to be operational by mid-2024, while the second phase is planned for completion by 2026.
The Coastal Road will feature tunnels, bridges, interchanges, and reclaimed land to improve road connectivity and ease congestion on Mumbai’s overburdened road network.
Objectives of the Mumbai Coastal Road Project
The Mumbai Coastal Road Project has been designed to address multiple urban transportation issues in the city. The key objectives include:
1. Reduce Traffic Congestion
Mumbai’s Western Express Highway (WEH) and S.V. Road are highly congested. The Coastal Road will provide an alternative route, easing the burden on existing roads.
2. Decrease Travel Time
Currently, traveling from Marine Drive to Kandivali takes around 2 hours. The Coastal Road aims to cut this down to just 40-50 minutes.
3. Improve Connectivity
The project will provide seamless north-south connectivity, linking key business districts and residential areas.
4. Reduce Vehicular Pollution
By reducing traffic jams and idling, the project will help lower carbon emissions and improve Mumbai’s air quality.
5. Support Public Transport
The road will have dedicated lanes for buses and cyclists, promoting sustainable commuting options.
6. Enhance Urban Infrastructure
The project includes green spaces, promenades, and open areas, improving Mumbai’s coastal environment.
Key Features of the Mumbai Coastal Road Project
The Coastal Road Project is designed as a world-class expressway with several advanced features:
1. Twin Underground Tunnels
A 2.07 km twin tunnel will run beneath Malabar Hill and Girgaon Chowpatty, ensuring minimal environmental disruption.
2. Reclaimed Land for Public Spaces
The project includes 111 hectares of reclaimed land, of which 70% will be used for open spaces, gardens, and recreation areas.
3. Multiple Interchanges
The road will feature six interchanges to ensure smooth traffic flow.
4. Dedicated Bus Lanes
To promote public transport, the road will include dedicated bus lanes to encourage more people to use buses instead of private vehicles.
5. Pedestrian and Cycling Tracks
The project integrates continuous pedestrian pathways and dedicated cycling lanes, improving mobility for non-motorized transport users.
6. Intelligent Traffic Management System (ITMS)
The Coastal Road will use AI-based traffic monitoring systems, smart signaling, and automated toll collection to ensure smooth vehicular movement.
Route and Connectivity of the Mumbai Coastal Road Project
The Coastal Road will run along Mumbai’s western coastline, connecting key locations:
Phase 1 (South Mumbai to Worli) – 10.58 km
Marine Drive (Princess Street Flyover) – Starting point
Girgaon Chowpatty – Underground twin tunnel begins
Malabar Hill – Tunnel passes under
Breach Candy – Tunnel exits
Haji Ali – Interchange
Worli Sea Face – Connects to Bandra-Worli Sea Link
Phase 2 (Worli to Kandivali) – 19.22 km
Bandra-Worli Sea Link (Worli End)
Bandra West – Interchange
Juhu Beach – Connecting flyovers
Versova – Coastal stretch
Malad – Major interchange
Kandivali – Final connecting point to WEH
The Coastal Road will seamlessly integrate with:
Bandra-Worli Sea Link
Mumbai Trans Harbour Link (MTHL)
Western Express Highway (WEH)
Benefits of the Mumbai Coastal Road Project
The project will bring significant improvements to Mumbai’s road infrastructure:
1. Faster Commute Times
Travel time between Marine Drive and Kandivali will reduce from 2 hours to 40-50 minutes.
2. Reduced Fuel Consumption
With reduced congestion, fuel consumption is expected to decrease by 30-40%, saving fuel costs for commuters.
3. Improved Quality of Life
Shorter commutes will lead to better work-life balance and improved productivity for residents.
4. Boost to Real Estate
Areas along the Coastal Road, such as Worli, Bandra, and Malad, are expected to see a rise in property values.
5. Environmental Sustainability
The dedicated cycling tracks, pedestrian walkways, and green spaces will promote eco-friendly urban mobility.
Challenges Faced During the Project
Despite its benefits, the Mumbai Coastal Road Project has faced multiple challenges:
1. Environmental Concerns
Opposition from environmental activists due to concerns over marine biodiversity and mangrove destruction.
Court cases delayed the project, requiring additional environmental clearances.
2. Land Reclamation Issues
Reclaiming land from the sea raised debates over its impact on marine life and fishing communities.
3. High Project Costs
The estimated cost has risen from ₹12,721 crores to over ₹21,000 crores due to delays and material price increases.
4. Implementation Delays
COVID-19 and legal disputes caused delays, pushing the initial 2022 completion target to 2026.
Current Status and Completion Timeline
As of 2024, the first phase (Marine Drive to Worli) is 90% complete, with expected operation by mid-2024.
Phase 2 (Worli to Kandivali) is still in the planning stage and is expected to be completed by 2026.
Conclusion
The Mumbai Coastal Road Project is a transformative infrastructure initiative that will redefine urban mobility in Mumbai. By reducing traffic congestion, improving connectivity, and integrating sustainable urban planning, the project will significantly enhance the quality of life for millions of commuters.
Despite challenges, the Coastal Road is a critical step towards making Mumbai a modern, well-connected, and environmentally sustainable city. Once completed, it will serve as a blueprint for future urban road infrastructure projects in India.
Read about Maharashtra Agri-Business and Rural Transformation (SMART) Project - here
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