Mumbai’s coastal road, a long-awaited project, has finally opened its south-bound corridor from Worli to Marine Drive, marking the inauguration of Phase 1. Led by Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, this initiative aims to alleviate traffic congestion and enhance connectivity in South Mumbai.
Stretching across 10.5 kilometers, Phase 1 of the Mumbai Coastal
Road welcomes motorists through entry points such as Worli Seaface, Haji Ali
interchange, and Amarson’s interchange. From these entry points, commuters can seamlessly access the coastal road and find convenient exits at Marine Lines.
To ensure the safety of travelers, the Mumbai Traffic Police has
set specific speed limits for different sections of the road. Along the Coastal
Road itself, motorists are advised to maintain a maximum speed of 80 kilometers
per hour. Inside tunnels, the speed limit is reduced to 60 kilometers per hour,
while at turning and entry-exit points, drivers should adhere to a speed limit of 40 kilometers per hour.
For ease of access, entry points to the Mumbai Coastal Road
include Bindu Madhav Thackeray Junction, Rajani Patel Junction (also known as
Lotus Junction), and Amarsons Garden. These entry points serve as gateways to
the scenic coastal route, offering commuters easy access to South Mumbai’s
bustling districts. Amarsons Garden stands out as a significant entry and exit
point, while the journey concludes gracefully at Marine Drive, specifically at Princess Street Bridge.
While the Coastal Road provides a convenient and picturesque
route for commuters, certain vehicles are restricted from accessing it. Heavy
goods vehicles, trailers, mixers, tractors, and other specified vehicle
categories are prohibited from using the Coastal Road. Additionally, pedestrians are not allowed on the road for safety reasons.
The construction of the Mumbai Coastal Road began on October 13,
2018, with a projected cost of ₹12,721 crore. As part of this ambitious project,
Chief Minister Shinde has announced plans for a sprawling central park along
the route, covering an impressive area of 320 acres. Named the ‘Dharmaveer
Sambhaji Maharaj Coastal Road,’ this park aims to enhance Mumbai’s landscape
and provide residents with a world-class recreational space amidst the urban environment.
In summary, the opening of Mumbai’s Coastal Road marks a
significant milestone in the city’s infrastructure development. With efficient
traffic management measures and clear speed regulations in place, commuters can
now enjoy a smoother and safer travel experience. Furthermore, the proposed
central park initiative promises to enrich the city’s environment, offering
residents and visitors alike a green oasis amid the bustling urban landscape. As
Mumbai develops its new coastal route, it sets the stage for a more connected, accessible, and vibrant metropolis.