Mumbai Coastal Road Phase-1 Inaugurated
Posted On July 11, 2025
Mumbai's ambitious infrastructure landscape has been significantly transformed with the inauguration and subsequent full operationalization of Phase 1 of the Dharamveer Swarajya Rakshak Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj Mumbai Coastal Road. This engineering marvel, a long-awaited solution to the city's crippling traffic congestion, represents a monumental achievement in urban planning and execution. While the initial southbound arm was inaugurated by Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde on March 11, 2024, the full functionality of Phase 1, including both northbound and southbound carriageways and critical connectors, has brought seamless connectivity to a significant stretch of Mumbai's western coastline.
The Mumbai Coastal Road Project (MCRP) is a colossal undertaking designed to create a high-speed arterial route along the Arabian Sea, directly addressing the notorious north-south traffic snarls that have long plagued India's financial capital. Phase 1 of this multi-crore project, a 10.58-kilometer stretch, connects the Princess Street Flyover near Marine Drive in South Mumbai to the Worli end of the Bandra-Worli Sea Link (BWSL). This segment is a complex blend of reclaimed land, bridges, and, most notably, India's first undersea tunnels. The project, executed by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), has redefined urban mobility and infrastructure development in the city.
The inauguration of the southbound arm on March 11, 2024, marked the initial opening of the Coastal Road to vehicular traffic. This event was spearheaded by Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, accompanied by Deputy Chief Ministers Devendra Fadnavis and Ajit Pawar, highlighting the project's strategic importance to the state government. This initial phase allowed motorists to experience a dramatically reduced travel time from Worli to Marine Drive, cutting down a previously 40-45 minute commute to a mere 10 minutes. This immediate relief in travel time for southbound traffic showcased the immense potential of the newly constructed corridor.
A significant feature of Phase 1 is its state-of-the-art design, incorporating several engineering firsts for India. It includes twin underground tunnels, each stretching approximately 2.07 kilometers, passing beneath Malabar Hill and Girgaon Chowpatty. These tunnels are a remarkable feat, constructed at depths of 7-20 meters below the Arabian Sea and up to 70 meters below Malabar Hill, designed to minimize environmental disruption and navigate the city's complex geology. The project also features sections built on reclaimed land, new bridges, and a total of three interchanges (at Amarsons, Haji Ali, and Worli Seaface) to ensure smooth entry and exit points. The entire Phase 1 comprises eight dedicated lanes, four for northbound and four for southbound traffic.
The subsequent months after the initial inauguration saw the phased opening and integration of other crucial components. The northbound carriageway, connecting Marine Drive to Worli, became fully operational by mid-2024. Furthermore, the critical connectors linking the Coastal Road directly to the Bandra-Worli Sea Link (BWSL) were also made functional, ensuring seamless high-speed travel between South Mumbai and the Western Suburbs. These connectors, including a bow-string arch bridge, were the final pieces to fully integrate Phase 1 with the existing elevated network, thereby maximizing the project's impact on traffic flow.
The benefits of the fully operational Phase 1 of the Mumbai Coastal Road are extensive and transformative for the city.
Drastic Reduction in Travel Time- The most immediate and celebrated benefit is the substantial reduction in commute time. The journey from Princess Street to the Worli end of the BWSL, which previously took 35-45 minutes during peak hours, is now completed in less than 10 minutes. This efficiency extends further, with the ultimate vision for the entire Coastal Road (Phase 1 and future phases) to cut travel time between Marine Lines and Kandivali from over two hours to approximately 40-50 minutes.
Fuel Savings and Environmental Benefits- Reduced traffic congestion translates directly into significant fuel savings for commuters, estimated at a 30-40% reduction in consumption. This, in turn, leads to a substantial decrease in carbon emissions (projected 1,826 tons annually) and overall air and noise pollution, contributing to a healthier urban environment.
Enhanced Connectivity- The Coastal Road provides a much-needed alternative north-south arterial route, easing the burden on the heavily congested Western Express Highway (WEH) and S.V. Road. It improves connectivity between key business districts, residential areas, and transportation hubs.
New Public Spaces and Amenities- Beyond just a road, the project involved the reclamation of 111 hectares of land from the sea. A significant portion of this (70 hectares) is dedicated to developing green spaces, a continuous 7.47 km long promenade (twice the length of Marine Drive), cycling and jogging tracks, gardens, public toilets, an open auditorium, and underground parking facilities for over 1,800 vehicles. These additions significantly enhance Mumbai's coastal environment and provide crucial recreational spaces for citizens.
Smart Infrastructure- The Coastal Road is equipped with an Intelligent Traffic Management System (ITMS) featuring AI-based traffic monitoring, smart signaling, and automated toll collection (though the road is currently toll-free). It also incorporates dedicated bus bays for public transport and 16 pedestrian underpasses to access the promenade, promoting multi-modal and sustainable transport options.
While the engineering and logistical challenges of constructing such a project in a densely populated coastal city were immense - including environmental concerns, legal hurdles, and the need for innovative construction techniques (like the monopile foundation system) - the successful completion of Phase 1 stands as a testament to Mumbai's unwavering commitment to modernizing its infrastructure. The Mumbai Coastal Road is not just a new roadway; it is a catalyst for economic growth, a symbol of urban resilience, and a critical step towards improving the quality of life for millions of Mumbaikars, fundamentally reshaping the city's dynamic urban fabric.
The Mumbai Coastal Road Project (MCRP) is a colossal undertaking designed to create a high-speed arterial route along the Arabian Sea, directly addressing the notorious north-south traffic snarls that have long plagued India's financial capital. Phase 1 of this multi-crore project, a 10.58-kilometer stretch, connects the Princess Street Flyover near Marine Drive in South Mumbai to the Worli end of the Bandra-Worli Sea Link (BWSL). This segment is a complex blend of reclaimed land, bridges, and, most notably, India's first undersea tunnels. The project, executed by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), has redefined urban mobility and infrastructure development in the city.
The inauguration of the southbound arm on March 11, 2024, marked the initial opening of the Coastal Road to vehicular traffic. This event was spearheaded by Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, accompanied by Deputy Chief Ministers Devendra Fadnavis and Ajit Pawar, highlighting the project's strategic importance to the state government. This initial phase allowed motorists to experience a dramatically reduced travel time from Worli to Marine Drive, cutting down a previously 40-45 minute commute to a mere 10 minutes. This immediate relief in travel time for southbound traffic showcased the immense potential of the newly constructed corridor.
A significant feature of Phase 1 is its state-of-the-art design, incorporating several engineering firsts for India. It includes twin underground tunnels, each stretching approximately 2.07 kilometers, passing beneath Malabar Hill and Girgaon Chowpatty. These tunnels are a remarkable feat, constructed at depths of 7-20 meters below the Arabian Sea and up to 70 meters below Malabar Hill, designed to minimize environmental disruption and navigate the city's complex geology. The project also features sections built on reclaimed land, new bridges, and a total of three interchanges (at Amarsons, Haji Ali, and Worli Seaface) to ensure smooth entry and exit points. The entire Phase 1 comprises eight dedicated lanes, four for northbound and four for southbound traffic.
The subsequent months after the initial inauguration saw the phased opening and integration of other crucial components. The northbound carriageway, connecting Marine Drive to Worli, became fully operational by mid-2024. Furthermore, the critical connectors linking the Coastal Road directly to the Bandra-Worli Sea Link (BWSL) were also made functional, ensuring seamless high-speed travel between South Mumbai and the Western Suburbs. These connectors, including a bow-string arch bridge, were the final pieces to fully integrate Phase 1 with the existing elevated network, thereby maximizing the project's impact on traffic flow.
The benefits of the fully operational Phase 1 of the Mumbai Coastal Road are extensive and transformative for the city.
Drastic Reduction in Travel Time- The most immediate and celebrated benefit is the substantial reduction in commute time. The journey from Princess Street to the Worli end of the BWSL, which previously took 35-45 minutes during peak hours, is now completed in less than 10 minutes. This efficiency extends further, with the ultimate vision for the entire Coastal Road (Phase 1 and future phases) to cut travel time between Marine Lines and Kandivali from over two hours to approximately 40-50 minutes.
Fuel Savings and Environmental Benefits- Reduced traffic congestion translates directly into significant fuel savings for commuters, estimated at a 30-40% reduction in consumption. This, in turn, leads to a substantial decrease in carbon emissions (projected 1,826 tons annually) and overall air and noise pollution, contributing to a healthier urban environment.
Enhanced Connectivity- The Coastal Road provides a much-needed alternative north-south arterial route, easing the burden on the heavily congested Western Express Highway (WEH) and S.V. Road. It improves connectivity between key business districts, residential areas, and transportation hubs.
New Public Spaces and Amenities- Beyond just a road, the project involved the reclamation of 111 hectares of land from the sea. A significant portion of this (70 hectares) is dedicated to developing green spaces, a continuous 7.47 km long promenade (twice the length of Marine Drive), cycling and jogging tracks, gardens, public toilets, an open auditorium, and underground parking facilities for over 1,800 vehicles. These additions significantly enhance Mumbai's coastal environment and provide crucial recreational spaces for citizens.
Smart Infrastructure- The Coastal Road is equipped with an Intelligent Traffic Management System (ITMS) featuring AI-based traffic monitoring, smart signaling, and automated toll collection (though the road is currently toll-free). It also incorporates dedicated bus bays for public transport and 16 pedestrian underpasses to access the promenade, promoting multi-modal and sustainable transport options.
While the engineering and logistical challenges of constructing such a project in a densely populated coastal city were immense - including environmental concerns, legal hurdles, and the need for innovative construction techniques (like the monopile foundation system) - the successful completion of Phase 1 stands as a testament to Mumbai's unwavering commitment to modernizing its infrastructure. The Mumbai Coastal Road is not just a new roadway; it is a catalyst for economic growth, a symbol of urban resilience, and a critical step towards improving the quality of life for millions of Mumbaikars, fundamentally reshaping the city's dynamic urban fabric.
