The much-anticipated southbound segment of the Mumbai Coastal Road, connecting to the Bandra-Worli Sea Link, will be inaugurated today by Chief Minister Eknath Shinde. The inauguration is scheduled at 2 PM at Bindu Madhav Thackeray Chowk in Worli, marking a significant milestone in the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation’s (BMC) ambitious project to enhance Mumbai’s road infrastructure.
Once the section is officially opened, motorists can anticipate a signal-free commute from Marine Drive to Bandra via the sea link. However, the exact timing of when this section will be accessible to the public has yet to be disclosed by the BMC. This inauguration is crucial for improving traffic flow in one of Mumbai’s most congested corridors. The ‘bowstring arch’ bridge, which forms part of the southbound section, represents a pivotal point in the city’s broader infrastructure ambitions. The addition of this bridge will streamline traffic between Worli and Bandra, providing significant relief to daily commuters. However, it should be noted that only one of the two arch bridges linking the Coastal Road to the Bandra-Worli Sea Link will be inaugurated today. The completion of the remaining section, a critical component of the southbound arm, is projected by the end of the year.
The Coastal Road project, spearheaded by the BMC, aims to alleviate the chronic congestion plaguing Mumbai’s roads by offering a more direct, less interrupted route for vehicular traffic. This road is expected to be a game-changer, especially for those commuting between South Mumbai and the western suburbs. Earlier this year, the southbound arm from Worli to Marine Lines was opened to the public on March 11, followed by the northbound segment from Marine Lines to Worli on June 10. The project has faced public scrutiny following the circulation of photos and videos on social media showing filled potholes along the newly constructed sections. Motorists expressed concerns over the quality of construction, particularly given the work carried out amid heavy rainfall. The images highlighted uneven patches and raised questions regarding the long-term durability and safety of the road.
Responding to these concerns, the BMC assured that the Coastal Road remains structurally sound and safe for use. The civic body emphasized that the construction adheres to rigorous quality standards and that the road has been designed to withstand Mumbai’s challenging monsoon conditions. Nonetheless, the recent images have amplified calls for greater transparency and oversight in the management of this mega infrastructure project. The inauguration of the new section represents a vital development for Mumbai’s transport network, promising enhanced connectivity and reduced congestion for thousands of daily commuters. As the Coastal Road project progresses towards completion, the BMC’s commitment to maintaining high construction standards will be critical in ensuring public confidence and the long-term success of the city’s ambitious infrastructural initiatives.
