The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) to fast-track land acquisition for Phase 2 of the Mumbai Coastal Road project, aiming for completion within 15 days. This ambitious undertaking, targeting a 2028 completion, involves reclaiming 165 hectares of land between Versova and Bhayander. The project signifies a critical advancement in urban infrastructure, promising vital connectivity while striving for eco-friendly, sustainable, gender-neutral, and equitable city development.
Phase 2 of the Mumbai Coastal Road is set to transform north-south connectivity in the western suburbs, presenting a complex land acquisition challenge. Of the total 165 hectares required, a significant 80 per cent comprises government-owned parcels, primarily under the purview of the fisheries and revenue departments. Unlike its initial phase, this segment of the project will avoid direct sea reclamation, focusing instead on marshy lands and existing mangrove patches. The rapid transfer of these government lands to the BMC within the stipulated 15-day window is paramount for maintaining the ambitious project timeline and demonstrating inter-departmental coordination.
A pivotal aspect of this development is its commitment to environmental stewardship. While the project traverses sensitive mangrove areas, the Chief Minister’s Office has explicitly mandated simultaneous compensatory plantation of mangroves as construction commences. Civic officials confirm that necessary environmental and Union Ministry clearances have been secured. The next crucial step involves obtaining forest permissions, after which an approach to the Bombay High Court will be made to secure legal consent for the careful removal of existing mangroves, ensuring that ecological balance is maintained while facilitating critical urban infrastructure.
Beyond direct transportation benefits, the project encompasses a visionary urban planning strategy. Nearly 60 land parcels between Goregaon and Dahisar will undergo changes in their development plan reservation, transitioning from public amenity earmarks to align with the Coastal Road’s alignment. Furthermore, the periphery surrounding the new road is slated for transformation into a modern commercial hub, designed along the lines of the successful Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC). This dual approach not only enhances connectivity but also stimulates economic activity, fostering new employment opportunities and creating vibrant, sustainable commercial centres within the city.
The proposed second phase of the Coastal Road is meticulously divided into six distinct packages, collectively spanning approximately 25 kilometres. These segments include a series of underground tunnels, cable-stayed bridges, and multi-level vehicular interchanges. Notable components include twin 3.9-kilometre tunnels connecting Mindspace in Malad with Charkop in Kandivali. Additionally, a 5.6-kilometre elevated corridor will extend from Dahisar to Bhayander in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region. With an estimated total cost of ₹20,000 crore, the project aims to seamlessly integrate with existing and upcoming arteries, such as the Goregaon Mulund Link Road (GMLR), creating a robust and interconnected urban transport network.
The accelerated push for the Coastal Road’s Phase 2 signals Mumbai’s unwavering commitment to developing world-class infrastructure that underpins sustainable urbanisation. While the project promises significant improvements in traffic flow and economic growth, its success will ultimately be measured by its ability to integrate environmental responsibility and social equity into its core. By prioritising compensatory ecological measures and planned economic zones, Mumbai is striving to set a precedent for future urban projects, demonstrating that growth can be achieved harmoniously with nature and for the benefit of all citizens.
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