The Mumbai Traffic Police has mandated that the Coastal Road remain open 24 hours a day from September 7 to 17, 2024. This decision is aimed at managing the significant increase in traffic expected during the festivities, which see large numbers of devotees and vehicles on the move, particularly on immersion days.
Currently, the Coastal Road operates with restricted hours: the southern arm runs from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m., and the northern arm adheres to the same schedule with closures on weekends. To accommodate the expected surge in traffic and mitigate congestion on alternative routes, civic officials have agreed to extend operational hours to around the clock. The road has faced intermittent closures due to ongoing construction work on the Bandra-Worli Sea Link (BWSL) connector. Additionally, the northern carriageway has been closed on weekends to facilitate construction activities. However, with approximately 95% of the Coastal Road’s work completed, officials are confident that maintaining 24/7 access during the festival will not pose significant challenges.
An official from the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) indicated that “we do not anticipate any issues with keeping the Coastal Road open 24×7 during the Ganesh festival,” highlighting the road’s crucial role in alleviating traffic congestion across Mumbai. The BMC has also planned to open the southbound carriageway of the Coastal Road and the BWSL by next week, further enhancing connectivity. The Coastal Road, a major infrastructure project, spans 10.58 kilometres from the Princess Street Flyover at Marine Drive to the Worli end of the BWSL. Its southern arm, extending from Worli to Marine Drive, was inaugurated on March 12, while the northern arm, from Marine Drive to Haji Ali, opened on June 10. The 3.5-kilometre stretch from Haji Ali to Abdul Gaffer Khan was completed on July 11.
Despite the successful launch of two long ‘Bowarch String’ girders linking the Coastal Road with the BWSL in May, progress was hampered by heavy rains. The decision to extend operational hours reflects the city’s commitment to facilitating smooth transportation during one of its most celebrated festivals, ensuring that the festival’s demands are met with enhanced logistical support.
