A new 550-metre-long vehicular underpass is set to become operational by May. The underpass, strategically located to connect the Mumbai Coastal Road with the Worli-Sewri elevated corridor, is expected to significantly reduce travel time for motorists commuting between key areas of the city, including Dadar, Prabhadevi, and the southern suburbs.
The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), overseeing this project as part of the larger 10.58-kilometre coastal road development, is putting finishing touches to the underpass in anticipation of its opening next month. Once operational, it will serve as a crucial link for vehicles coming from the eastern suburbs, enabling a smooth, uninterrupted transition towards the coastal road. For the first time, traffic from the Sewri-Worli corridor will gain direct access to the coastal road, offering an efficient route for motorists heading to the western suburbs or the southern tip of the city. The design of the underpass is a reflection of the city’s growing demands for a more sustainable and streamlined transport infrastructure. With future traffic flows in mind, the structure is designed to facilitate easy access for southbound vehicles, thus reducing the pressure on the overburdened Worli interchange. Civic officials have stated that this intervention will address the bottleneck caused by the existing road network, helping alleviate long-standing traffic issues in the region.
“Once the underpass is opened, motorists travelling from Dadar and Prabhadevi can directly enter the coastal road, bypassing the Worli or Haji Ali interchanges altogether. This will be a key milestone in completing the coastal road project,” explained an official overseeing the works. The underpass is designed exclusively for southbound traffic, providing a seamless transition for vehicles travelling towards Bandra, Marine Drive, or Nariman Point. This simplified route promises to drastically cut down travel time, benefiting thousands of commuters who regularly face gridlock in these high-traffic areas. Strategically running beneath Khan Abdul Gaffar Khan Road, the underpass will also link J.K. Kapur Chowk with the coastal road through an interchange at Bindoo Madhav Thackeray Chowk, located along the Worli sea face. This move is expected to further reduce traffic congestion along the critical coastal route. Experts suggest that the inclusion of this underpass is part of a larger vision to optimise traffic flow within the city, especially along the coastal road, which is projected to become a central artery in Mumbai’s transport network.
The underpass, which has been built to meet the future demands of the city’s transportation needs, is a step towards creating a more sustainable and efficient mobility network. In line with the BMC’s goals to build eco-friendly and resilient infrastructure, this underpass will encourage smoother vehicular movement and contribute to reducing the city’s carbon footprint. By diverting traffic from congested areas, it is expected to lower emissions caused by idling vehicles, while improving air quality in densely populated regions such as Worli and Dadar. Civic officials have assured that the final phase of construction is well underway. Ancillary works such as the installation of lane markings, street lighting, and surfacing of sidewalls are currently in progress and will be completed within the coming weeks. “We are ensuring all finishing touches are in place before the underpass is opened to the public. Once ready, the underpass will provide a smooth and efficient experience for commuters,” added the official.
This new addition to Mumbai’s transport infrastructure is expected to be a game-changer for the city’s traffic woes. Once operational, it will enhance connectivity between some of the most crucial parts of Mumbai, effectively integrating the city’s western and eastern suburbs. The underpass will also be a critical asset for daily commuters from Dadar and Prabhadevi, who have long struggled with the inconvenience of navigating through busy interchanges. The upcoming opening of the underpass is a key milestone for the coastal road project, a transformative infrastructure endeavour that promises to revolutionise Mumbai’s transport landscape. When completed, the coastal road will offer a direct, unhindered route from the northern suburbs to the southern tip of the city, providing much-needed relief for the city’s overburdened roads.
The impact of the underpass will not be limited to traffic efficiency alone. Experts note that the development is a significant step towards building a more sustainable urban infrastructure. By reducing travel time and traffic congestion, the underpass will help lower carbon emissions, contributing to Mumbai’s long-term goal of reducing its environmental impact. The focus on sustainability and eco-friendly development is in line with global urban planning trends, where cities are looking to integrate more efficient and sustainable modes of transport into their systems. As Mumbai continues to face the dual challenges of rapid urbanisation and climate change, infrastructure projects such as this underpass represent critical solutions to its transport and environmental challenges. By improving connectivity and reducing traffic congestion, the city is not only improving the daily commute for its residents but also taking significant steps toward a more sustainable and eco-conscious urban future.
The upcoming operationalisation of the vehicular underpass on Mumbai’s Coastal Road is a symbol of the city’s commitment to improving its infrastructure while aligning with broader environmental goals. In the coming months, as this underpass becomes a reality, it will undoubtedly be a welcome addition to Mumbai’s growing network of smart, eco-friendly transport solutions.
Mumbai Coastal Road Underpass Set to Transform Traffic Flow by May
