In a significant development, Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde declared that the Mumbai Coastal Road, linking Marine Drive with the Bandra Worli Sea Link (BWSL), will be toll-free for commuters. The eagerly awaited first phase of the project is slated to open to the public after January 31, marking a crucial milestone in Mumbai’s infrastructure development.
The construction of the undersea tunnel between Worli and Marine Drive is expected to be completed by January 31, with plans to open it to traffic shortly thereafter. The entire corridor, spanning 10.58 kilometers and comprising high-speed interchanges, subterranean tunnels, and arterial roads, is set to be fully operational by May 31.
A standout feature of the project is the inclusion of the first underwater tunnel in India, connecting Priyadarshini Park to Girgaon Chowpatty. Chief Minister Shinde, accompanied by Brihanmumbai Municipal Commissioner Iqbal Singh Chahal and other BMC officials, recently assessed the progress at the underwater tunnel.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to inaugurate the Mumbai Trans Harbour Link (MTHL) Road on January 12. Notably, the state government recently approved a one-way toll of Rs 250 on the MTHL Road.
Chief Minister Shinde highlighted that the next phase of the coastal road project will connect Bandra-Versova with Virar, indicating a continuation of infrastructure development in Mumbai. This expansion aims to significantly reduce travel time, connecting Mumbai to Navi Mumbai and Raigad via MTHL, while also linking satellite cities such as Virar.
Originally set for completion in November 2023 with construction commencing in 2018, the Rs 12,271 crore coastal road project faced a six-month deadline extension due to design alterations required for one of the bridges, addressing concerns from the local fishing community.
