Mumbai’s traffic landscape is poised for a significant transformation as Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, along with Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Ajit Pawar, inaugurated the new ‘bow-string’ arch bridge on Thursday. This bridge marks a crucial connection between the Mumbai Coastal Road and the Bandra-Worli Sea Link (BWSL), and is scheduled to become operational for vehicles starting September 13.
The newly launched bridge is set to streamline northbound travel from south Mumbai to Bandra. It will be operational daily between 7 am and 11 pm, allowing vehicles travelling northwards to directly access the Sea Link from the Coastal Road. This move is expected to alleviate some of the congestion currently experienced on the city’s roads. Currently, the Coastal Road extends only up to Worli, with the bridge’s introduction representing a significant step forward in the project’s development. For the initial phase, the bridge will handle northbound traffic exclusively, with southbound traffic continuing to use existing routes until further integrations are completed.
In a related development, US Ambassador to India, Eric Garcetti, met with Vice Admiral Sanjay Singh, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Western Naval Command, to discuss enhancing maritime security and bilateral naval relations. Accompanied by US Consul General in Mumbai, Mike Hankey, and other officials, Garcetti’s visit underscored the strengthening of maritime ties between the two nations. The inauguration of the Coastal Road bridge represents a pivotal advancement in Mumbai’s infrastructure, aimed at reducing travel times and easing traffic congestion. As the city continues to expand, such initiatives are crucial for maintaining efficient urban mobility and improving overall commuter experience. The full impact of the bridge on traffic patterns and congestion will become clearer as it begins regular operations in the coming days.
