Mumbai’s Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has imposed a fine of ₹2.65 lakh on a local driver following a serious incident on the Mumbai Coastal Road that caused significant damage to public infrastructure. The mishap, which occurred on October 7, saw the driver lose control of his vehicle while travelling from Haji Ali to Worli, resulting in the car breaching the protective railing and plunging into the sea. Fortunately, the driver was rescued unharmed, and the vehicle was recovered the following day with assistance from local fishermen and law enforcement.
The BMC, in its official communication dated October 30, held the driver responsible for the damage, citing negligence as the primary cause. The civic body calculated the repair costs of the railing at ₹2.65 lakh and instructed the driver to deposit the sum into the BMC treasury. Officials noted that failure to pay would result in recovery through the driver’s property tax dues. “Public infrastructure represents a significant civic investment, and its safety relies on responsible use by citizens,” an official said. The incident underscores the broader challenges of managing road safety along Mumbai’s newly developed infrastructure. The Coastal Road, designed as a strategic urban connector, has enforced speed limits of 60 km/h within tunnels and 80 km/h on open stretches. Since mid-July 2025, authorities have maintained round-the-clock CCTV monitoring along the corridor. By September, over 8,000 speeding violations had been recorded, prompting enhanced enforcement and public advisories on safe driving practices.
Urban planners emphasise that such incidents not only pose risks to individual commuters but also threaten the long-term sustainability of city infrastructure. “High-value civic projects require vigilant adherence to traffic regulations. Incidents like these highlight the need for continuous monitoring and civic accountability,” an industry expert said. The BMC’s action in levying a significant fine is seen as a step toward reinforcing the principle of responsible commuting. The civic body also highlighted its commitment to ensuring the Coastal Road remains safe and resilient for daily commuters, integrating lessons from this incident into broader traffic management strategies. Citizens are encouraged to respect speed limits and traffic advisories, recognising that individual actions have direct implications for collective safety and sustainable urban development.
This episode reflects a growing trend of municipal authorities holding individuals accountable for damage to public property while simultaneously promoting safe, sustainable, and equitable mobility solutions in India’s major cities.
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