News Mania Desk/Agnibeena Ghosh/11th July 2024
The third phase of the Dharmaveer Swarajya Rakshak Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj Mumbai Coastal Road (South) Project has been temporarily opened to traffic starting Thursday. This new development aims to enhance connectivity and ease traffic flow in the city.
The newly accessible road connects Haji Ali to Khan Abdul Ghaffar Khan Road in Worli, along with Haji Ali’s Arm 8, which runs from the Lotus Jetty Junction to the main bridge at Haji Ali on the northbound lane. This section will be operational from Monday to Friday, between 7:00 am and 11:00 pm, providing significant relief to daily commuters.
However, the road will remain closed on weekends, specifically on Saturdays and Sundays, to facilitate the completion of the remaining construction work for the project. The third phase of the Coastal Road comprises a 3.5-kilometre stretch that links Haji Ali with Worli, offering a crucial route for northbound traffic.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, along with Mumbai Municipal Commissioner and Administrator Bhushan Gagrani, inspected the road on Wednesday before it was opened to the public. They were joined by Additional Municipal Commissioner (Eastern Suburbs) Dr. Amit Saini, Chief Engineer of the Mumbai Coastal Road Project Girish Nikam, Deputy Chief Engineer Mantayya Swamy, and other officials.
Previously, on June 10, the second phase of the Dharmveer Swarajya Rakshak Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj Coastal Road, connecting Worli to Marine Drive, was inaugurated by CM Shinde and Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. This section stretches 6.25 km from Haji Ali to Amarsons.
The inaugural phase of the project was opened on March 11 by CM Shinde, Deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis, and Ajit Pawar. Each phase of the project marks a significant milestone in improving Mumbai’s infrastructure and traffic management.
The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has demonstrated its commitment to the Coastal Road project through substantial budget allocations. In its budget for 2022-23, the BMC allocated Rs 3200 crore for the project, the highest share at 17 percent of the total budget. This was followed by allocations for health at 15 percent, traffic and roads at 12 percent, bridges at 9 percent, stormwater drains at 8 percent, and the Goregaon-Mulund Link Road at 7 percent.
The Coastal Road project is crucial for reducing traffic congestion and improving the overall transportation network in Mumbai. As work progresses, the city is expected to benefit from reduced travel times and enhanced connectivity between key areas. The temporary opening of the third phase is a step towards achieving these long-term goals, allowing commuters to experience the improvements firsthand while the final touches are completed.
This project reflects the city’s broader vision of modernizing its infrastructure and addressing the growing demands of its population. The successful implementation of such large-scale projects will not only improve daily commutes but also contribute to the economic growth and development of Mumbai.
