Transforming Mumbai's Shoreline: Inauguration of RHS Mumbai Coastal Road Project

Today, the 11th of March 2024, witnessed the auspicious inauguration of the Right-Hand Side (RHS) segment of the Mumbai Coastal Road Project, stretching from Worli Sea Face to Marine Drive. The ceremony was graced by the esteemed presence of Honorable Shri Eknath Shinde, Chief Minister of Maharashtra, alongside Honorable Shri Devendra Fadanvis and Honorable Shri Ajit Pawar, Deputy Chief Ministers of Maharashtra, accompanied by other distinguished dignitaries.

The coastal thoroughfare, spanning an impressive length of approximately 10.58 kilometers and featuring 16.5 kilometers of interchanges, represents a monumental infrastructure endeavor undertaken at a cost of Rs. 14,000 crores. Comprising four lanes on each side of travel, supplemented by two tunnels, each spanning 2.07 kilometers with a diameter of 12.19 meters, this project boasts the distinction of housing the country's largest tunnels, constructed meticulously through Tunnel Boring Machines (TBM).

Executing this project in record time, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) commenced actual construction in June 2020 subsequent to the vacation of a stay order by the Honorable High Court, notwithstanding the issuance of the work order in October 2018. The Left-Hand Side (LHS) counterpart is slated for completion by May 2024.

Anticipated benefits are substantial, with travel time projected to plummet from 40 minutes to a mere 9 minutes, a transformation poised to yield an estimated annual reduction of nearly $100 million in carbon emissions through fuel conservation. Furthermore, this coastal marvel will encompass 175 acres of coastal gardens, to be developed in due course, adding to the allure of the project.

Distinguished by its innovative engineering, the Mumbai Coastal Road stands as a pioneering feat in India, being the first-ever four-lane coastal road constructed entirely on reclaimed land from the sea, supported solely by monopiles.

As of tomorrow, 8:00 AM onwards, the citizens of Mumbai will have the privilege of accessing the Mumbai Coastal Road, marking a significant stride towards enhanced connectivity and sustainable urban development.