Mumbai’s new Coastal Road, despite its speed restrictions, promises an exceptionally quick commute. A journey from Marine Drive to Haji Ali, which once seemed laborious, now takes a mere eight minutes, as observed during a test drive on Tuesday evening.
This revelation demonstrates the remarkable efficiency of the Coastal Road, offering a significant reduction in travel time. The speed limits on the Coastal Road are strictly defined: 60 kmph within the tunnel, 40 kmph on the interchanges, and a maximum of 80 kmph on the main carriageway. However, these restrictions do not impede the rapid transit. The tunnel is well-illuminated and the road surface is smooth, with clearly marked lanes and comprehensive signage. Emergency telephones are strategically placed along the route, and motorists appear to adhere to the no-honking rule within the tunnel. Nevertheless, the issue of lane discipline persists, as some drivers continue to misuse the third lane, designated for buses and emergencies. The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has indicated that once the road is fully operational, traffic police will enforce penalties for such violations.
At the Haji Ali interchange, some confusion arose, particularly where Arms 1 and 5 diverge. Motorists found the signboards inadequate, as the names listed – Barrister Rajni Patel Junction and Vatsalabai Desai Junction – were unfamiliar. This necessitated the use of navigation apps to decipher the colloquial equivalents. In response to these concerns, the BMC swiftly installed additional signboards that clearly delineate the destinations: Arm 1 leads to Worli Naka and the airport, while Arm 5 directs to Haji Ali junction and Tardeo. Jai Hind College principal Vijay Dabholkar, who utilised the Coastal Road after 5pm, reported a significant decrease in his commute time to Bandra, saving at least 20 minutes. He noted that the stretch from the Coastal Road’s starting point to Annie Besant Road, Worli, took just 11-12 minutes. Similarly, cab driver Tejo Yadav praised the new road for transforming his route efficiency. A round trip from Marine Drive to Haji Ali junction, previously over an hour, now takes only 25 minutes.
These testimonials underscore the Coastal Road’s potential to revolutionise travel in Mumbai. Despite the initial navigational challenges and the need for improved lane discipline, the road’s infrastructure has been met with positive feedback. The swift response from the BMC to install clearer signage indicates a commitment to enhancing user experience. As the Coastal Road becomes fully operational, its impact on reducing commute times and improving travel efficiency in Mumbai is expected to be substantial. This development represents a significant milestone in the city’s infrastructure, promising a smoother and quicker commute for motorists.
