Mumbai Coastal Road
Discover the significance of the Mumbai Coastal Road inauguration, its impact on traffic relief, and environmental sustainability. Learn about reduced travel times, community engagement, and the project’s environmental initiatives
**Inauguration and Significance**
The inauguration of the Mumbai Coastal Road, also referred to as the Dharamveer Swarajya Rakshak Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj Coastal Road, marks a significant milestone for Mumbai’s infrastructure. Led by Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and attended by Deputy Chief Ministers Devendra Fadnavis and Ajit Pawar, the event signifies the culmination of a long-awaited project aimed at addressing the city’s traffic woes and environmental concerns.
**Project Overview**
The Mumbai Coastal Road, constructed at a cost of Rs 13,983 crore, spans 10.58 kilometers and connects Marine Drive to the Bandra-Worli Sea Link (BWSL). This project represents the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation’s (BMC) most ambitious and expensive endeavor to date. The road is anticipated to reduce carbon emissions by 34%, thereby contributing to environmental sustainability.
**Traffic Relief and Reduced Travel Time**
One of the primary objectives of the Mumbai Coastal Road is to alleviate traffic congestion, particularly during peak hours. Commuters traveling between Marine Drive and Worli, a journey that typically takes 45-50 minutes, can now expect a significant reduction in travel time, with the journey expected to be completed in less than 10 minutes.
**Phased Implementation**
The project’s implementation is planned in phases to ensure timely delivery and minimal disruption to traffic flow. The initial phase will allow southbound traffic movement between Marine Drive and Worli, covering approximately 9.5 kilometers. This phase is set to commence on March 12th, 2024, operating between 8 am and 8 pm. The entire route is scheduled to be fully operational by May 2024, pending the completion of the final bridge connecting the coastal road to BWSL.
**Community Engagement and Considerations**
Chief Minister Eknath Shinde emphasized the importance of addressing the demands of the Koli community, the city’s indigenous inhabitants. In response to their requests, the project’s span has been extended to 120 meters to better serve their needs and interests.
**Political Dynamics and Critiques**
Former Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis highlighted the delays in the project’s execution, attributing its realization to the efforts of the current administration at both the state and central levels. He criticized the previous government for failing to prioritize and expedite the project, despite its significant implications for Mumbai’s infrastructure and traffic management.
**Environmental Impact and Green Initiatives**
Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar underscored the environmental benefits of the coastal road project. Upon completion, the road is expected to provide an additional 300 acres of green space, contributing to the city’s overall green cover. Pawar emphasized the importance of reducing carbon emissions and enhancing environmental sustainability in a city grappling with pollution concerns.
The Mumbai Coastal Road represents a landmark infrastructure project aimed at addressing Mumbai’s traffic congestion and environmental challenges. With its phased implementation, community engagement, and environmental considerations, the road signifies a significant step towards modernizing the city’s infrastructure while ensuring sustainable development for future generations.
Know more –Â https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/mumbai/cm-eknath-shinde-inaugurates-mumbai-coastal-road-project-9207719/
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Neeraj Tiwari 
Ashish Bajpai