Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde announced on Thursday, after a site visit, that the first phase of the Coastal Road in Mumbai is set to open soon. “The opening of the first phase of the Coastal Road is imminent. We have reclaimed approximately 120 acres of land along the Coastal Highway to develop a garden, in addition to another 120 acres near the Mahalaxmi Race Course for the same purpose. Plans are in place to construct Mumbai Central Park, which will span about 320 acres,” stated CM Eknath Shinde.
In a recent briefing, Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) Commissioner Iqbal Singh Chahal shared updates on the progress of the Coastal Road Project. Chahal mentioned that efforts are underway to complete the remaining work as quickly as possible. “There are still some pending tasks. I conducted a review of the entire area last night. Currently, weight tests are being performed to assess the impact of heavy vehicles on the road. We expect these activities to be wrapped up in the next few days. The coastal road is likely to be inaugurated between February 28-29 or March 2-3,” he informed media.
On February 2, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation, India’s wealthiest municipal body, unveiled its 2024-25 budget, totaling Rs 59,954.75 crore, with a capital expenditure forecast of Rs 31,774.59 crore.
For the coastal road project, a budget of Rs. 2900.00 crores has been allocated, covering various components such as the Mumbai Coastal Road (North) from Versova to Dahisar at Rs. 1130.00 crores, the Dahisar to Bhayandar Link Road (the final segment of the Coastal Road) at Rs. 220.00 crores, and the Goregaon – Mulund Link Road (GMLR) at Rs. 1870.00 crore.
Additionally, there are plans to implement an Access Control Project on the Western Express Highway (WEH) and Eastern Express Highway (EEH).
The BMC has embarked on a significant project, costing approximately Rs 35,955.07 crore, to construct the Mumbai Coastal Road from the Versova interchange to the Dahisar interchange and the GMLR. The project is divided into six packages and is expected to reach completion within 48 months.