The Mumbai Coastal Road Project, a ₹14,000-crore initiative, is under scrutiny after a viral video showcased poor patchwork on a crucial stretch. Amid calls for an additional exit at Nepean Sea Road, concerns over road quality persist. Shiv Sena (UBT) criticized the earlier Eknath Shinde-led administration for contractor favoritism. The Prime Minister’s Office has noted the issue, relaying concerns to the Maharashtra chief secretary. Aaditya Thackeray alleged mismanagement, claiming that under his government, the project would have been completed with high quality by 2023. Opened in phases since March 2024, the 10.58 km road has seen heavy usage but has faced significant criticism.
Mumbai:
The Mumbai Coastal Road Project, an ambitious initiative valued at ₹14,000 crores, is under increasing scrutiny following the emergence of a viral video that revealed noticeable patchwork on a critical section. In response to persistent demands, the BMC is contemplating the addition of an exit at Nepean Sea Road, but new worries regarding the road’s quality and construction have arisen.
After the video gained traction, the Shiv Sena (UBT) accused the former Eknath Shinde-led government of showing favoritism towards certain contractors.
The Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) has also acknowledged the situation after the video, which showed poorly executed patchwork on the northbound section near Haji Ali, spread rapidly on X. The principal secretary of the PMO communicated concerns to the chief secretary of Maharashtra.
This is beyond disappointing. Mumbai’s ₹14,000 crore Coastal Road already resembles patchwork. I feel betrayed—this project was meant to enhance our infrastructure. Both L&T and BMC must be held responsible. Is this what we invested in? #Mumbai #CoastalRoad #InfrastructureFail pic.twitter.com/OjxZyoDrJI
— Eternal Drift (@drifteternal_) February 19, 2025
Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aaditya Thackeray expressed strong disapproval of the project’s execution on X. “The patchwork executed on the Coastal Road, from Haji Ali to Worli, exemplifies severe mismanagement. Had we been in power, the Coastal Road would have been completed to the highest standards by 2023, with cycle tracks and parks fully operational and accessible to the public,” he stated.
The 10-km, six-lane road connecting Marine Drive and Worli, which has opened in phases since March 12, 2024, has been utilized by over 50 lakh vehicles to date, averaging between 18,000 to 20,000 vehicles daily, according to the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation.
The entire road spans 10.58 km and has an expenditure of nearly ₹14,000 crores. The project comprises embankment roads, bridges, and elevated sections, with interchanges located at Amersons, Haji Ali, and Worli. A significant feature of the project is its two underground twin tunnels, each spanning 2 km, intended to enhance traffic flow between South and North Mumbai.
The tunnels are designed with six lanes, while other sections of the road accommodate eight lanes.