Mumbai Coastal Road Phase 2 Inauguration: Key Details and Impact

Mumbai: The eagerly awaited second phase of the Mumbai Coastal Road (MCR), connecting Worli to Marine Drive, was inaugurated today, marking a significant milestone in the city’s infrastructure development. Phase 2, which comprises the northbound carriageway from Marine Drive to Haji Ali, will be open to traffic starting tomorrow. Initially, the road will operate for 16 hours a day due to ongoing work to connect it with the Bandra-Worli Sea Link.

Inauguration and Inspection

The announcement coincided with Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde’s inspection of a leakage in the southbound tunnel at Marine Drive. The coastal road’s southbound section from Worli to Marine Drive was previously opened on March 12. On April 10, an incident where water entered the pedestrian underpass of the Haji Ali Coastal Road drew criticism against the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC). The cause of the tunnel leakage is still under investigation. During his site visit, Mr. Shinde noted leaks at two or three places and assured that a permanent solution would be implemented using specific technology to ensure passengers will not face issues during the rainy season.

Project Overview and Benefits

The Mumbai Coastal Road stretches over 10.58 km, linking the Princess Street Flyover at Marine Drive to the Worli end of the Bandra-Worli Sea Link. Constructed by the BMC, this road aims to significantly reduce congestion between south Mumbai and the western suburbs. It is expected to cut commute times by 70% and reduce fuel consumption by 34%.

Key features of the road include a layout of 4+4 lanes and modern infrastructure elements such as a bridge on stilts, an elevated road, and twin tunnels. Strategic interchanges at Amarsons Garden, Haji Ali, and Worli Seaface are designed to facilitate smoother traffic flow.

The project has seen a total expenditure of ₹13,984 crore to date and is part of Mumbai’s master plan, which dates back to 1967. The inauguration ceremony was attended by Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, Deputy Chief Ministers Devendra Fadnavis, and Ajit Pawar.

Future Prospects and Developments

While the current opening of Phase 2 marks a significant advancement, the MCR project is far from complete. The full integration with the Bandra-Worli Sea Link will further enhance connectivity and streamline traffic movement. The completion of ongoing work and the resolution of issues like tunnel leakage are critical to realizing the full potential of the coastal road.

The Mumbai Coastal Road is not just an infrastructural marvel but also a testament to the city’s commitment to improving urban mobility. As the project progresses, it promises to deliver substantial benefits, reducing travel time, easing traffic congestion, and contributing to the city’s economic and environmental sustainability.