Motorists in Mumbai are now experiencing faster, smoother commutes with the partial opening of the new Coastal Road connecting Marine Drive to Bandra-Worli Sea Link (BWSL). On its inaugural day, this long-anticipated infrastructure project demonstrated its potential to drastically cut travel times across one of the city’s busiest routes.
With its seamless connection to the airport, the Coastal Road promises to be a game-changer in easing congestion. The early results of this mega project are impressive. During non-peak hours, the commute from Marine Drive to Terminal 2 (T2) of Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport now takes as little as 22 minutes, according to an initial test conducted on Friday. Even during peak hours, the journey was clocked at 52 minutes, a marked improvement over the more than an hour it would normally take via alternative routes such as the Western Express Highway (WEH).
For daily commuters, this reduction in time could significantly impact both personal schedules and the city’s overall efficiency. While a 12-minute drive from Marine Drive to the BWSL toll booth at peak times sounds like a dream, the drive from Bandra to T2 via WEH still faces traditional traffic snarls, especially during evening hours. At peak times, it took 40 minutes to navigate this stretch, though with the continued expansion of the Coastal Road, these delays may further reduce over time. The Coastal Road also showcases some of Mumbai’s most scenic views, offering a panoramic look at the city’s bustling skyline to the east and the serene coastline to the west. As vehicles zip through this picturesque route, motorists are treated to a unique blend of urban development and coastal beauty. The smooth drive observed on the first day could have been influenced by the festive season. With Ganeshotsav celebrations in full swing, many residents have opted for holidays or remote working arrangements, reducing the usual traffic volume.
Another critical factor contributing to this swift journey is the integration of the FASTag toll system, with about 60% of motorists now utilising the system for hassle-free toll collection. This upgrade has notably reduced bottlenecks at the toll booths, allowing a smoother flow of traffic. As this infrastructure development progresses, it is expected to offer a long-term solution to Mumbai’s notorious traffic issues. By 2025, with the Coastal Road fully operational and seamlessly linked to other key routes, it could redefine travel in the city, making commutes not just faster but far more enjoyable. With more projects in the pipeline, such as the Navi Mumbai International Airport and the Metro 3, Mumbai is rapidly becoming a city poised for modern connectivity and infrastructural excellence. For now, the Coastal Road offers a glimpse of that future, one where rush-hour gridlock is a thing of the past.
