A proposal to install protective canopies above pedestrian underpasses near the Worli section of Mumbai’s coastal highway has been put on hold after municipal decision-makers sought clarification over fluctuating project estimates. The review has temporarily stalled additional work linked to the Mumbai Coastal Road canopy project, highlighting the scrutiny surrounding public spending on one of the city’s most expensive infrastructure corridors.
Officials said the proposed structures are intended to shield underpass entrances from rainwater and improve pedestrian comfort along the coastal route. However, the proposal did not advance during a recent municipal review meeting after members raised questions about significant variations in cost estimates submitted within a short period. The Mumbai Coastal Road canopy project is linked to the second phase of development along the southern segment of the coastal highway, which connects areas between the southern end of the Bandra Worli Sea Link and the southern coastal stretch of the city. The underpasses form part of pedestrian infrastructure designed to allow safe crossing beneath the busy roadway.
Civic engineers explained that rainwater accumulation near underpass entry points had emerged as a concern during the monsoon season. To address the issue, the administration proposed installing polycarbonate canopy structures over entry and exit points to protect users and reduce water seepage. However, project estimates submitted by contractors and consultants have differed substantially. Initial claims for additional work reportedly placed the cost of canopy installation at more than ₹35 crore. Subsequent revisions lowered the projected expense to around ₹30 crore before technical consultants proposed a substantially reduced estimate of roughly ₹17 crore.
Municipal officials later presented a revised administrative proposal based on an estimated project cost of just over ₹19 crore. The variation between multiple estimates prompted members overseeing financial approvals to seek detailed explanations regarding the basis of cost calculations and the role of consultants in evaluating the contractor’s claims. Urban infrastructure analysts note that such scrutiny is typical in large public works projects where modifications occur after construction begins. Changes in design scope, particularly when they involve structural additions not included in the original contract, often lead to renegotiation of costs and technical review.
Officials involved in the coastal road programme said design adjustments were also intended to ensure visual consistency along the corridor. The waterfront highway is being developed with integrated landscaping, pedestrian facilities and urban design elements intended to improve public access to the coastline while managing traffic capacity. The underpasses are expected to play a critical role in pedestrian mobility along the route, especially in areas where traffic volumes are high and surface crossings may be unsafe.
Urban planners say improving pedestrian access is an essential part of large transport infrastructure projects in dense cities. Protective shelters, lighting, drainage and accessible design can significantly influence how comfortably people use these spaces. For now, the Mumbai Coastal Road canopy project remains under review as municipal authorities examine the revised cost proposals and technical recommendations. A final decision will determine whether the additional infrastructure moves forward as part of the ongoing development along the city’s landmark coastal transport corridor.
Mumbai Reviews Coastal Road Underpass Canopy Plan
