Significant preparatory activities have been initiated for the second phase of the Mumbai Coastal Road Project, as mangrove vegetation across a 103.65-hectare marshy stretch between Versova and Bhayandar is being surveyed and demarcated for infrastructure development. The process has been undertaken following judicial approval, and operational tenders have been issued by the Mangrove (North Konkan) Division of the Maharashtra Forest Department.
A total of 45,675 mangrove trees have been identified within the designated project area. Of these, 9,000 trees are to be permanently removed, while 36,675 are proposed to be transplanted and restored after construction. The affected land parcel has been officially earmarked for diversion to enable the expansion of the high-speed corridor.
Clearance for the project was granted on December 12, 2025, by the Bombay High Court, permitting the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation to proceed with the development subject to environmental safeguards. Conditions have been imposed to ensure that compensatory afforestation and long-term monitoring are implemented effectively.
Survey benchmarks are being established, and ground demarcation is being conducted using total station instruments. Detailed field records and survey drawings are being prepared before any tree-felling activity is executed. Each approved tree is being individually marked and documented under official supervision. Surrounding vegetation, including shrubs and thorny growth, is being cleared to facilitate safe operations.
Temporary access paths are being created to allow labour movement across marshy terrain. Felled mangrove wood is being systematically stacked at designated stockyards before being transported to approved locations. The overall survey, felling, and transportation process has been estimated at ₹1.90 crore and is scheduled for completion within 12 months.
Compensatory plantation has been mandated in Vihirgaon village in Chandrapur district and in Bhayandar village, where 1.32 lakh mangroves are to be planted. Restoration of transplanted mangroves has been proposed across 68.55 hectares. Furthermore, comprehensive audit reports on plantation and protection efforts in Palghar are required to be submitted for a period of 10 years.
The coastal road corridor, spanning 33.40 kilometres, is being developed to reduce congestion on the Western Express Highway and other arterial routes. Travel time between Versova and Bhayandar is projected to be reduced from approximately 120 minutes to 18 minutes. The infrastructure project, incorporating elevated roads, tunnels, cable-stayed bridges, and interchanges, has been valued at nearly ₹18,200 crore.