Feb 4, 2024
Coastal Road is set to partially open to motorists, allowing cars to travel southwards from Worli to Marine Drive.
Image Source: TNN
The northbound carriageway and the bridge connecting Coastal Road with the sea link are expected to be opened in May.
Image Source: TNN
The road will initially operate 8am-8pm on weekdays and will be closed on weekends so that vehicles with construction material can cross over.
Image Source: TNN
Experts say the May deadline for overall project completion seems ambitious, given the vast scope of work left, especially on the bridge.
Image Source: TNN
Coastal Road promises dramatic reductions in travel time, with a 10-minute Worli to Marine Drive ride compared to the usual 40 minutes.
Image Source: TNN
The project includes India’s first undersea tunnels, made with the biggest boring machine (over 12-metre diameter) to be deployed in India.
Image Source: TNN
Authorities say buses will be allowed on the road after May, by when the project cost is estimated at Rs 13,984 crore.
Image Source: TNN
Some locals and opposition leaders question the rush to open the road when significant portions, including open spaces and landscaping, remain incomplete.
Image Source: TNN
BMC plans to float a Rs 1,000-crore tender in April for laying themed sections along the road’s promenade, including jogging and cycling tracks.
Image Source: TNN
Worli MLA Aaditya Thackeray has expressed concerns about the partial opening, alleging that it is driven by political motives in an election year.
Image Source: TNN
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