Mumbai: Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the first phase of the Mumbai Coastal Road project, which includes the country’s first road built under the sea, on February 19. The project aims to ease the traffic congestion in the city and provide a scenic drive along the Arabian Sea.
The first phase of the Mumbai Coastal Road project stretches from Princess Street (Marine Drive) to the southern end of Bandra Worli Sea Link, covering a distance of 9.98 km. Out of this, 3.4 km will be under the sea, making it the first undersea road in India. The project also involves the construction of two interchanges, eight entry and exit points, a 1.8 km long tunnel, and a 90-acre eco-park.
The Mumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) Commissioner Iqbal Singh Chahal announced that the construction work of the first phase is in progress and will be completed by May 2023. He said that the project will reduce the travel time between south Mumbai and western suburbs from 90 minutes to 20 minutes, and save about 34,000 litres of fuel per day.
The project is estimated to cost Rs 12,721 crore, of which Rs 5,000 crore has been spent so far. The BMC has claimed that the project will not affect the environment or the marine life, as it has taken several measures to mitigate the impact. The project has also faced several legal challenges from environmental activists and fishermen, who have alleged that it will damage the coastal ecosystem and livelihoods.
The Prime Minister will inaugurate the first phase of the project by unveiling a plaque at the Priyadarshini Park in south Mumbai. He will also address a public rally at the Bandra Kurla Complex, where he is expected to highlight the achievements of his government and the vision for the future.
The Mumbai Coastal Road project is one of the several infrastructure projects that the Prime Minister will inaugurate or lay the foundation stone of during his visit to Maharashtra on February 19. He will also launch the Navi Mumbai International Airport, the Mumbai Trans Harbour Link, and the Dedicated Freight Corridor. These projects are expected to boost the economic growth and development of the state and the country.
