A surge in high-speed violations on Mumbai’s recently inaugurated Coastal Road has led to over 4,000 motorists being fined by traffic authorities this year, signalling growing safety concerns over the misuse of the corridor by reckless drivers. With total fines already crossing ₹82 lakh, enforcement agencies are tightening surveillance to contain what residents have described as a racing epidemic.
Data from Mumbai Traffic Police reveals that of the 4,000-plus challans issued, approximately 1,500 have already been settled, netting ₹31 lakh in penalties. Alongside the city police, the Regional Transport Office (RTO) has penalised nearly 600 more motorists, including several operating luxury cars such as BMW, Audi, and Mercedes, for exceeding posted speed limits. Authorities say the road’s smooth surface and relatively sparse traffic have turned it into an attractive stretch for speed enthusiasts, particularly during early mornings and weekends. However, residents along the route, particularly from localities such as Worli, Breach Candy, and Nepean Sea Road, have repeatedly complained about engine roars, street racing, and unsafe lane cutting by high-performance vehicles.
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Civic bodies and law enforcement have started deploying interceptor vehicles equipped with radar-based speed tracking technology. These mobile units automatically capture violations and generate electronic challans. Additionally, electronic display boards have been installed on both south- and north-bound lanes, indicating vehicle speeds in real-time. The system will soon be bolstered with seven speed cameras to ensure consistent monitoring. Officials have also begun acting on public complaints and video evidence submitted by citizen forums, which highlight repeat offenders engaging in street racing. Some groups have raised questions about the effectiveness of the current ₹2,000 fine, pointing out that the fuel cost alone for a single high-speed trip on the Coastal Road exceeds that amount, especially for luxury car owners.
Traffic authorities are now shifting focus to another growing violation, the misuse of the dedicated bus lane. Emergency response teams face difficulty navigating when private vehicles obstruct these corridors. Officials confirmed that targeted action will soon follow against such motorists, with four teams already stationed at key exit and entry points to enhance enforcement. The Coastal Road sees an average daily traffic volume of 18,000 to 20,000 vehicles, and with increased monitoring, city planners are hoping to balance mobility improvements with the need for road safety. While the route was designed to ease congestion and support low-emission transit solutions, its misuse could undermine these goals.
Experts have underscored the importance of sustainable urban road usage, where infrastructure is shared equitably and responsibly. The broader concern remains whether current deterrents are strong enough to enforce lasting behavioural change. For now, however, the crackdown signals that civic bodies are no longer willing to tolerate high-speed chaos on a road built for climate-forward mobility.
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