The Mumbai Coastal Road Project (MCRP) Phase 1, a highly anticipated infrastructure development project, has faced significant delays and cost overruns. The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has confirmed that the project’s cost has escalated by Rs 1,243 crores due to delays in construction.
The MCRP is divided into three sections, connecting the Princess Street flyover to Priyadarshani Park and eventually linking to the Bandra-Worli Sea Link. Despite being awarded in 2018 with an initial cost of Rs 8,425.44 crores and a projected completion time of four years, the project has been plagued by delays for the past six years. Various factors have contributed to the delays, including unforeseen challenges during construction and logistical issues. As a result, the total cost has risen to Rs 9,668.64 crores, with a penalty of Rs 14 crores imposed on the contractor.
While the southern and northern arms of the Coastal Road have already opened to traffic, the final segment connecting to the Bandra-Worli Sea Link is expected to be completed by the end of December 2024. Once fully operational, the Coastal Road is anticipated to reduce travel time by 70% and fuel consumption by 34%. The delays and cost overruns in the MCRP project have raised concerns about the efficiency and effectiveness of infrastructure development projects in Mumbai. The project’s completion has been eagerly awaited by residents and commuters, and the delays have caused significant inconvenience and frustration.
