Mumbai Traffic Update: Signal-Free Coastal Corridor Between Nariman Point and Bhayandar By 2028

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has announced that the proposed signal-free corridor connecting Nariman Point to Bhayandar is expected to be completed by the end of 2028.

The project is aimed at reducing traffic congestion across Mumbai and easing the burden on the Western Express Highway (WEH), which currently handles nearly 60% of the city's traffic.

"We are preparing a signal-free road from Nariman Point to Bhayandar. This will provide great relief to Mumbai," Fadnavis said during an inspection of the Mumbai Coastal Road Project.

With construction underway and clearances in place, the state government is confident that the Nariman Point–Bhayandar signal-free corridor will be operational by the end of 2028, offering faster travel, reduced congestion and improved connectivity for millions of Mumbai commuters.

What the Project Will Achieve

Once completed, the corridor is expected to:

• Provide seamless connectivity between South Mumbai and the northern suburbs.
• Reduce dependence on the Western Express Highway.
• Cut travel time for commuters.
• Decongest major city roads.
• Improve connectivity across the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR).

The government is aiming to complete the project by October-November or December 2028.

Coastal Road Expansion Plan

The signal-free corridor forms part of the second phase of the Mumbai Coastal Road Project.

Existing Section

• The southern stretch connecting Nariman Point and the Bandra-Worli Sea Link became operational in March 2024.

Upcoming Northern Section

• The new phase will extend connectivity from Versova to Bhayandar, creating a continuous north-south coastal route.

Six Construction Packages

The northern coastal road project has been divided into six packages:

Package A

• Length: 4.5 km
• Route: Versova to Bangur Nagar (Goregaon)

Package B

• Length: 1.66 km
• Route: Bangur Nagar to Mindspace (Malad)

Packages C & D

• Twin tunnels of 3.9 km each
• Route: Mindspace (Malad) to Charkop (Kandivali)

Package E

• Length: 3.78 km
• Route: Charkop to Gorai

Package F

• Length: 3.69 km
• Route: Gorai to Dahisar

Dahisar–Bhayandar Link

• Additional elevated corridor: 5.6 km
• Will connect Dahisar to Bhayandar.

Project Cost and Timeline

• Total project length: 25 km
• Estimated cost: ₹25,000 crore
• Target completion: End of 2028

According to officials, land acquisition was completed last year and work on mobilising manpower and machinery has already begun.

Environmental Clearances in Place

Officials said all required environmental approvals have been obtained for the project.

The state government has also emphasised the need for:

• Adequate compensatory mangrove plantations.
• Simultaneous environmental conservation measures during construction.

Commercial Hub Planned Along the Corridor

The Maharashtra government is also planning to develop the areas around the Coastal Road into a modern commercial district on the lines of the Bandra-Kurla Complex (BKC).

The proposed development is expected to create new business opportunities and support economic growth in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region.