Mumbaikars greeted Thursday morning with the welcome news of progress on the Dharmaveer Swarajya Rakshak Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj Mumbai Coastal Road (South) Project. At 7 am, a 3.5-kilometer stretch of the north-bound carriageway, connecting Haji Ali to Worli, was officially opened for vehicular traffic, marking a significant milestone in the ambitious infrastructure endeavor.
The newly opened stretch allows for temporary travel from Haji Ali to Khan Abdul Ghaffar Khan Road, as well as Haji Ali’s Arm 8, which spans from Lotus Jetty Junction to the main bridge at Haji Ali on the northbound lane. Commuters can now use this route from Monday to Friday, between 7:00 am and 11:00 pm. However, to facilitate the ongoing construction work on the remaining sections of the project, this stretch will remain closed on Saturdays and Sundays.
In a statement, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) announced, “The third phase of the Dharmaveer Swarajya Rakshak Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj Mumbai Coastal Road (South) Project, allowing for temporary travel from Haji Ali to Khan Abdul Ghaffar Khan Road, and the Haji Ali’s Arm 8 (from Lotus Jetty Junction to the main bridge at Haji Ali on the northbound lane) will be opened from tomorrow, Thursday, 11th July 2024, at 7 am.”
Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, who personally inspected the approximately 3.5-kilometer stretch, was present to oversee the milestone event. Accompanied by Municipal Commissioner and Administrator Bhushan Gagrani, Additional Municipal Commissioner (Eastern Suburbs) Dr. Amit Saini, and Deputy Commissioner (Special Engineering) Yatin Dalvi, Shinde expressed satisfaction with the progress made and reiterated the government’s commitment to enhancing Mumbai’s infrastructure.
“The opening of this section is a significant step towards the completion of the Coastal Road Project, which aims to ease traffic congestion and improve connectivity in Mumbai,” stated Shinde during his inspection. The Coastal Road Project is designed to transform Mumbai’s commuting landscape, providing a seamless and efficient route for thousands of daily commuters.
Residents and daily commuters have expressed optimism about the project’s potential to alleviate traffic woes and enhance travel efficiency. “This is a much-needed development. The Coastal Road will not only save time but also reduce the stress of navigating through Mumbai’s congested streets,” said Meera Joshi, a local resident who regularly commutes between Haji Ali and Worli.
The Dharmaveer Swarajya Rakshak Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj Mumbai Coastal Road (South) Project, once fully completed, is expected to revolutionize the city’s infrastructure, providing a vital link between South Mumbai and the western suburbs. This project is part of a broader initiative to modernize Mumbai’s transport network and support its growth as a global metropolis.
With this recent development, Mumbaikars can look forward to smoother commutes and a brighter, more connected future. The BMC and the state government continue to work diligently towards the project’s full completion, ensuring that the city’s infrastructure keeps pace with its dynamic and ever-growing population.