The inauguration of the first phase of the south Mumbai coastal road between Worli and Marine Drive marks a significant milestone in Mumbai’s infrastructure development. Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde hailed the project as an “engineering marvel” and flagged off Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST) electric buses and a vintage car rally to commemorate the occasion. Additionally, Shinde announced plans for a ‘world-class’ Central Park spread over 320 acres along the Mumbai Coastal Road.
Here’s a comprehensive overview of the ambitious Mumbai coastal road project and its implications:
- Project Overview: The Mumbai coastal road project, spanning 53 kilometers, commenced on October 13, 2018. It aims to connect the Bandra-Worli Sea Link and extend to Dahisar, providing a vital transportation link along Mumbai’s coastline.
- Name and Commemoration: The coastal road has been named ‘Dharmaveer Sambhaji Maharaj Coastal Road’ in honor of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, and the first phase was inaugurated on his death anniversary (March 11). A statue of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj will be erected in Worli as part of the project.
- Infrastructure Features: The coastal road project includes a 2 km-long twin tunnel between Priyadarshini Park and Marine Drive, which will have three lanes each. The remaining stretch of the road will feature four lanes on each carriageway. This tunnel is hailed as the largest in the country and is expected to alleviate traffic congestion during peak hours.
- Green Spaces: The project emphasizes the development of green spaces, with 175 acres dedicated to greenery. Additionally, plans for a Central Park spread over 300 acres aim to enhance the city’s environmental landscape and provide recreational spaces for residents.
- Progress and Budget: More than 75% of the project’s work is already complete, with the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation allocating ₹3200 crore for the project in its 2022-23 budget.
- Expert Insights: Industry experts view the coastal road project as a catalyst for Mumbai’s real estate market. Samantak Das, Chief Economist at JLL, believes that the project will rejuvenate business hubs and bridge residential gaps in the city. Umesh Jandial, Chief Business Officer of Omkar Realtors & Developers, sees the project as redefining living standards in western suburbs. Prashant Sharma, President of NAREDCO Maharashtra, views the project as enhancing infrastructure and connectivity, which can impact property prices positively.
Overall, the Mumbai coastal road project represents a significant step forward in Mumbai’s infrastructure development. With its potential to reduce travel time, ease traffic congestion, and enhance environmental sustainability, the project holds promise for both residents and investors alike.=