Mumbai’s Coastal Road has emerged as both a showcase of modern urban infrastructure and a growing safety concern, prompting the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) and Mumbai Traffic Police to devise stricter measures to control vehicle speeds. Rising incidents of overspeeding, accidents, and vehicle breakdowns within the tunnel sections have highlighted the urgent need for enhanced safety interventions along the 10.58-kilometre stretch from Princess Street flyover at Marine Drive to the Worli end of the Bandra-Worli Sea Link.
Opened for round-the-clock traffic in mid-August, the Coastal Road features a promenade, interchanges, and underpasses, with speed regulations set at 80 km/h on the main carriageway, 40 km/h on interchanges, and 60 km/h inside tunnels. However, compliance remains a challenge. In the last month alone, traffic authorities issued over 16,000 challans for speeding and lane violations within the twin tunnels, underscoring the need for systemic interventions. A senior civic official explained that the collaboration with the Traffic Police aims to identify overspeeding hotspots and implement targeted safety measures. Proposed interventions include installing rumblers, reinforced signage, and enhanced lane markings to ensure drivers adhere to speed limits. Officials emphasised that these steps are part of a broader strategy to protect commuters while promoting responsible driving behaviour on critical infrastructure corridors.
Daily reports indicate an average of two vehicle breakdowns along the Coastal Road, adding to congestion and emergency response pressures. “We are working with the Traffic Police to pinpoint high-risk areas and implement structural and technological measures to reduce accidents and improve overall safety,” said an official from BMC’s road infrastructure department. Advanced surveillance underpins these safety initiatives. The BMC has deployed 236 CCTV cameras along the Coastal Road, enabling real-time monitoring of traffic conditions and instant alerts in case of accidents. This system not only facilitates rapid emergency response but also collects critical data on vehicle types, speeds, and traffic patterns, supporting data-driven planning for road safety and sustainable urban mobility.
Traffic authorities have reinforced penalties to deter overspeeding and improper lane use, levying fines of Rs 2,000 for speed violations and Rs 500 for first-time misuse of bus lanes, increasing to Rs 1,500 for repeat offences. Officials also highlighted that these measures align with broader objectives of creating safer, equitable, and eco-conscious urban corridors that accommodate growing traffic volumes without compromising commuter security or environmental standards. As Mumbai continues to invest in world-class infrastructure like the Coastal Road, authorities stress that combining technological monitoring, enforcement, and public awareness will be pivotal to reducing accidents, ensuring safety, and promoting responsible mobility along this landmark urban corridor.
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