Mumbai: The anticipated full opening of the Mumbai coastal road has been postponed to October, marking a significant setback from its original deadline of May. The delay, attributed to construction challenges and a leakage issue, underscores the complexities of this ambitious infrastructure project, initially slated for completion in 2022.
With a project cost of Rs 13,984 crore, the Mumbai coastal road aims to enhance connectivity and alleviate traffic congestion along the city’s coastline. However, concerns over a leakage in the newly inaugurated stretch have prompted the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) to reschedule the full road opening, nearly two years beyond its initial projection. Officials have identified two primary factors contributing to the delay. Firstly, approximately 20% of the labour force, totaling 6,500 workers, have returned to their native places—a seasonal occurrence during May—resulting in a shortage of skilled manpower. Secondly, the imminent monsoon season poses logistical challenges, hindering critical road construction activities such as bitumen laying.
Despite achieving 89.2% completion of the project, with significant progress in road and interchanger works, the remaining tasks necessitate favourable weather conditions for optimal execution. As a result, BMC plans to open the northbound stretch of the road from Marine Drive to Haji Ali by June 10, with subsequent works continuing towards Worli. The project’s timeline has been subject to multiple revisions, with the opening initially deferred from November 2023 to March 2024 due to alterations in navigation span requirements. The government’s decision to increase the navigation span to 120 metres, compared to the previously proposed 56 metres, further contributed to the project’s timeline adjustments.
In light of these developments, BMC remains committed to addressing construction challenges and ensuring the timely completion of the Mumbai coastal road. The project’s successful implementation holds immense potential to alleviate traffic congestion and bolster connectivity along Mumbai’s bustling coastline, thereby enhancing the city’s infrastructural landscape and promoting economic growth.
