BMC denies request for redesign of Coastal Road-Sea Link interchange

Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) denies the demands by fisherfolk from Worli Koliwada for redesigning an upcoming interchange connecting the Coastal Road and the Bandra-Worli Sea Link.

According to the opinion of the National Institute of Oceanography (NIO), the proposed width of 60 metres for the navigation span under the bridge connecting Bandra-Worli sea bridge in the Mumbai Coastal Road (South) project proposed by BMC is sufficient and appropriate.

BMC plans to fit the pillars with fenders so that there will be no damage to the boats passing under it. CCTV cameras will also be installed under the interchange so that in case of any accident, the BMC control room will be notified immediately and emergency assistance will be provided. In case of such accidents, BMC will also provide the fishermen with insurance cover for the next 20 years.

Fisherfolk have maintained that the proposed distance of 60 metres between the interchange’s pillars is not enough to allow safe passage for their boats, and will force them to halt their trade from Cleveland Bunder, a centuries-old fishing port. Instead, they have demanded that the distance be increased to at least 160 metres, based on a February report submitted to the BMC.