Mumbai’s ambitious Coastal Road project reached a major milestone with the successful installation of the final 60-metre span connecting the southern carriageway to the Bandra-Worli Sea Link (BWSL) from the Worli end. Completed in the early hours of Wednesday, this crucial task signals significant progress, with the project expected to be fully operational by January 2025.
Originally scheduled for last week, the span installation faced delays due to inclement weather. However, with this phase now complete, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) is expediting the remaining tasks, including asphalting, lane marking, and electrical work. Officials confirmed that 94% of the project has been completed, with only final touch-ups remaining. This latest installation follows the earlier placement of a 44-metre span in November, completing the northbound and southbound connectors linking the Coastal Road to the BWSL. The Coastal Road’s 120-metre arch bridge and 46-metre adjoining BWSL spans were previously erected in April.
Once fully operational, the Coastal Road will provide seamless connectivity for motorists travelling between Marine Drive and the Sea Link. Currently, southbound traffic from Marine Drive to the Sea Link enjoys uninterrupted access, while northbound motorists must temporarily exit near the Sea Link before re-entering. This two-way functionality is slated for completion next month. Stretching 10.58 km from the Princess Street Flyover at Marine Drive to the Worli end of the BWSL, the ₹13,983 crore project promises transformative benefits. Officials claim the Coastal Road has already reduced travel time by 70% and fuel consumption by 34%, underscoring its value to Mumbai’s urban mobility. As the city looks forward to the road’s full-scale operation in early 2025, the BMC’s progress marks a significant step towards alleviating Mumbai’s traffic woes while enhancing connectivity and reducing environmental impact.
