Mumbai, with plans for a new ₹300 crore elevated road linking the coastal road at Haji Ali to the arterial Senapati Bapat Marg in Parel. This crucial six-lane corridor aims to bridge a critical missing link in the city’s east-west connectivity, promising substantial relief from chronic traffic congestion. The project aligns with the broader vision for creating smarter, more sustainable cities by enhancing seamless mobility, a cornerstone for economic vitality and improved quality of life for its diverse populace.
Currently, commuters navigating between the bustling commercial hubs of Parel, Dadar, Matunga, and Mahim and the coastal road at Haji Ali face considerable detours and prolonged travel times. The proposed 1.5-kilometre elevated viaduct is engineered to circumvent these chokepoints, skirting the Mahalaxmi Racecourse and passing near the NSCI Dome. Officials from the urban development department have confirmed a pivotal aspect of the project: it will not necessitate any land acquisition, nor is it expected to disrupt existing traffic flows during its construction phase. This commitment to minimal disruption and equitable development underscores a progressive approach to urban infrastructure.
The strategic placement of this new link is designed to offer maximum utility. Beginning near the coastal road’s entry/exit points on Lala Lajpatrai Road, the elevated corridor will descend near the E Moses Road end of Senapati Bapat Marg. From this vantage point, motorists will gain direct and seamless access to key thoroughfares such as Gokhale Road, Lady Jamshed Road, Bhavani Shankar Road, and NM Joshi Marg. This enhanced connectivity will dramatically improve access to significant city landmarks and commercial zones, including Siddhivinayak Temple, Shivaji Park, Lower Parel, and Mahim, promising a reduction in travel time by as much as 30 minutes during peak hours.
The current convoluted routes, which force traffic from Haji Ali through Worli Naka via Annie Besant Road or Pandurang Budhkar Marg, or through Nehru Science Centre road and Keshavrao Khadye Marg-Dr E Moses Road, illustrate the pressing need for this direct link. Southbound traffic from Dadar and Parel encounters similar inefficiencies, leading to significant delays and increased fuel consumption. The new elevated road is thus not merely a convenience but a strategic intervention to reduce vehicle idling, thereby contributing to lower vehicular emissions and supporting the larger objective of fostering a zero net carbon urban environment.
While the financial outlay for this 1.5-kilometre corridor is estimated between ₹250-300 crore, the long-term benefits in terms of time savings, reduced fuel consumption, and improved environmental quality present a compelling economic and social rationale. Modern urban planning increasingly recognises the role of efficient transport networks in creating more productive and liveable cities. Projects that minimise land acquisition and mitigate disruption during construction align with principles of sustainable and equitable development, ensuring that infrastructure growth benefits all segments of society without disproportionate burdens.
This proposed elevated corridor in Mumbai exemplifies a proactive stance towards urban resilience and sustainable mobility. By directly addressing a glaring connectivity gap and promising significant traffic decongestion, the project aims to improve the daily commute for millions, freeing up valuable time that can be redirected towards personal and economic pursuits. It marks another step in Mumbai’s journey towards becoming a well-connected, eco-friendly, and highly efficient megacity, where infrastructure development is seamlessly integrated with the broader goals of environmental stewardship and enhanced quality of life for all its citizens.
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