BMC Urged to Install Sound Barriers on Coastal Road to Reduce Noise
Mumbai Traffic Police have urged the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) to install sound barriers along the Coastal Road. The request comes after numerous complaints from residents of nearby areas like Breach Candy, Nepeansea Road, and Worli, who have been disturbed by the loud noise generated by speeding vehicles, particularly at night.
The Coastal Road, which stretches from Marine Drive to the Bandra-Worli Sea Link, has become a hotspot for high-speed driving and racing, especially during the late hours. The noise levels from these vehicles, often exceeding the speed limits, have caused significant disturbance to nearby residential complexes and hospitals. With the speed limit set at 80 km/h on open stretches and 60 km/h inside tunnels, authorities have already penalised over 3,260 individuals for exceeding these limits.
A senior officer from the Traffic Police, in a letter to the BMC, highlighted the problem and suggested the installation of sound barriers as a solution to mitigate the noise. According to the officer, the noise levels from the speeding vehicles can range from 80 to 110 decibels, far surpassing the permissible limits under the Noise Pollution (Regulation and Control) Rules, which mandate a maximum of 55 dB during the day and 45 dB at night in residential areas.
The BMC has yet to make a final decision regarding the installation of sound barriers, but this request is part of the broader efforts to balance the city’s infrastructure development with the quality of life of its residents. The installation of 154 cameras along the Coastal Road for traffic monitoring and plans for more speed detection cameras are among the measures already in place to ensure safety and regulate speeding.
This move to install sound barriers aligns with the ongoing drive to make Mumbai’s urban spaces more livable, quieter, and sustainable, ensuring that the city’s development benefits both its residents and visitors.
