BMC Focuses on Key Infrastructure Projects like Coastal Road and Link Road in Upcoming Year
Mumbai continues to grapple with its growing infrastructure needs, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) is prioritising significant road projects that aim to boost connectivity and ease congestion across the city. Notable among these projects are the Mumbai Coastal Road (Phase 2) and the Goregaon Mulund Link Road (GMLR), which are poised to shape the future of urban mobility in Mumbai.
In recent years, the BMC has made substantial strides in improving Mumbai’s infrastructure, and the upcoming phase of development is set to build on these efforts. According to municipal officials, the ongoing construction of these vital projects has already made an impact, with the second phase of the Mumbai Coastal Road and GMLR set to receive the lion’s share of funding. The Mumbai Coastal Road project is one of the most ambitious and high-profile urban development initiatives in recent years. The first phase, linking Nariman Point to the Bandra Worli Sea Link, was completed in 2024, marking a significant achievement in improving the city’s traffic flow along the western coast. Now, the focus shifts to Phase 2, which will extend the coastal road to Versova in the western suburbs and further alleviate congestion on the western express highway.
This phase is expected to have a profound impact on daily commuters who currently face long travel times and frequent traffic bottlenecks. The addition of underground tunnels as part of the Phase 2 development promises to reduce surface-level congestion and improve overall traffic management in Mumbai. Civic authorities have already acquired the necessary permissions for construction, which will begin in earnest later this year. Officials are optimistic that the project will progress smoothly, given the current momentum and the substantial funding allocated to ensure its timely completion. Alongside the Coastal Road, the Goregaon Mulund Link Road (GMLR) is another key project that is expected to reshape the city’s road network. GMLR is set to offer a critical link between Goregaon in the west and Mulund in the eastern suburbs, making it easier for commuters to traverse the city without the need to navigate through congested areas.
The excavation of two underground tunnels for this link is slated to begin in August this year, and once completed, the GMLR will drastically improve connectivity between Mumbai’s eastern and western suburbs. This development is expected to significantly reduce travel time for those commuting across the city, benefitting both residents and businesses. While visible road infrastructure is undoubtedly important, there is also considerable work happening beneath the surface. One of the BMC’s most ambitious projects is the installation of seven Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs) across the city at a cost of Rs 30,000 crore. These plants are being developed to address Mumbai’s growing demand for better waste management and water treatment facilities, particularly as the city faces challenges with water distribution and quality. Though construction began in 2022, the project will not be completed until 2028, with five of the plants set to be operational by 2026. While the timeline is long, the STPs are seen as a vital step toward improving the city’s environmental sustainability and water management systems.
As these projects take shape, there are palpable expectations from Mumbai’s residents for quicker completion and improved efficiency in traffic and waste management. The demand for better infrastructure is high, and citizens are eager to see tangible benefits as the city grows. Municipal Commissioner Bhushan Gagrani’s comments about the potential revision of tax rates and the need for further investment in water projects have sparked discussions on how the BMC will balance these ambitious infrastructure plans with the city’s budgetary requirements. Despite the ongoing challenges, there is a clear sense of optimism as the BMC’s initiatives gain momentum. With road infrastructure projects like the Coastal Road and GMLR set to ease traffic woes, along with long-term environmental upgrades like the STPs, Mumbai is on the path to a more modern, connected, and sustainable future. Ultimately, these projects are more than just lines on a map; they represent the city’s aspirations for a more efficient, comfortable, and environmentally-conscious way of life. As the BMC continues to push forward with these developments, it’s clear that Mumbai’s future will be shaped by these critical infrastructure improvements.
