Mumbai Coastal Road project has faced yet another delay because of the changes to alignment after demands by Worli fishermen. Therefore, the road from Princess Street flyover to the Worli end of the Bandra-Worli Sea Link is expected to be commence by May 2024.
Chief Minister Eknath Shinde said that the work on the Coastal Road is being carried out at full speed and it will be open by May 31, 2024. However, the cost of the project didn’t go up due to delays this time.
The changes were made after the demands of the Worli fishermen to increase the distance between two ends to ensure smooth navigation of their fishing boats. Various court orders, COVID-19 pandemic of 2020, and the agitation by the Koli fisherman have delayed the project.
In his written reply to the legislative council, the CM didn’t mention anything about collecting tolls on the Coastal Road.
The increase in cost is mainly due to increase in central goods and services tax, additional works, such as the proposed 120-meter span in pillars for allowing boots to go, CM Shinde said in his reply to questions raised by MLCs Anil Parab and Satyajeet Tambe last month.
Moreover, the contract period of the appointed general consultant and the fees have increased due to the additional tasks given to him, such as scrutinising the plans of the proposed waterway, supervision of the integrated centralised control centre and consultant for the beautification work, etc., the reply stated.
The Coastal Road at Worli will be connected to the Bandra Worli Sea Link through a bridge.