It has been announced that Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to inaugurate a partial stretch of the ambitious coastal road project by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) on February 9. Originally, the groundbreaking ceremony was intended to be led by Shiv Sena UBT chief Uddhav Thackeray, but the swift inauguration by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has raised concerns, especially with the upcoming Lok Sabha elections and the enforcement of the election code of conduct.
As per reports, the inaugurated segment will be the southbound stretch from Worli to Marine Drive. The coastal road, spanning from Princess Street in Marine Drive to the Worli end of Bandra-Worli Sea Link, addresses the long-standing issue of traffic congestion. It is anticipated to be operational from Monday to Friday, between 8 am to 8 pm, with closures on weekends to facilitate ongoing construction. Chief Minister Eknath Shinde rejected the proposed toll of Rs 85 for using the coastal road.
The total project cost of Rs 139.84 billion includes a construction cost of Rs 93.84 billion, with the remaining funds allocated for administrative charges, physical infrastructure, water and sewerage facilities, cost contingencies, supervision, compensation for mangroves, and the relocation of utilities. The project's overall progress currently stands at 84 percent.
