Mumbai Coastal Road Project Nears 78% Completion: BMC to Bombay HC

The Mumbai Coastal Road project has reached an advanced stage, with approximately 78% of the work already finished, Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) told the Bombay High Court (HC) on Wednesday, August 23.

BMC further said that altering the project's design will not be possible and that changing the design will have substantial financial and logistical consequences. The civic body was represented by senior lawyer Aspi Chinoy and advocate Joel Carlos.

This comes after architect Alan Abraham from Khar filed a lawsuit. It urged authorities to reconsider the road's design and the location of recreation areas along its stretch by the seaside.

In response to this lawsuit, the company presented its case before the high court on Monday, August 21. The BMC argued that the Mumbai Coastal Road Project had been meticulously planned. It relied on comprehensive studies conducted by experts.

The design and layout of this project are complex and technical, BMC claimed. As of August 14, 2023, the civic body had spent INR 5,783 crore out of the estimated INR 9,383 crore required for the project's construction.

The civic authority also contended that Abraham's proposed design changes would introduce numerous curves. This will make it challenging to achieve the intended design speed of 80–100 kmph. This coastal road aims to reduce travel times by 70% and save 34% on fuel costs.

According to Abraham, the current design of the Coastal Road in South Mumbai, connecting Priyadarshani Park and Worli Sea Face, leaves considerable unused space inaccessible to the public.

The petition also claims that moving the road closer to the landward side would enhance the road's longevity. It will provide a buffer against tidal activity, which has been increasingly impacted by climate change.

Coastal Road stretches for 9.98 km, passing through tunnels beneath Marine Drive's Princess Street Flyover, Malabar Hill, and Napeansea Road. It begins at the Worli end of the Bandra Worli Sea Link, extending across reclaimed land near Priyadarshani Park, where the tunnel entrance is located. From there, it connects to the Bandra-Versova Sea Link and reaches Kandivali.