India’s First Undersea Tunnel | A Toll-Free Mumbai Coastal Road is Now Open
The Mumbai Coastal Road, under construction since 2018, is finally open now. People coming from the Western Suburbs can now use the southbound lane from Worli to get to Marine Drive in only 8-10 minutes. What’s interesting about this project is that it has India’s first undersea tunnel, and the best part is, you don’t have to pay any tolls to use it!
Mumbai’s iconic Queens Necklace coastline, with its dazzling lights and Art Deco landmarks, has undergone a significant change. The Coastal Road Project, built on reclaimed land in the Arabian Sea, faced criticism for its impact on the environment and the city’s skyline. On Monday, part of the road was officially opened, marking a permanent shift in Mumbai’s landscape.
Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, along with Deputy Chief Ministers Devendra Fadnavis and Ajit Pawar, inaugurated the southbound section of the road, connecting Marine Drive to Worli. Despite previous postponements, the government proceeded with the inauguration, organizing a vintage car rally to celebrate the occasion. The road will operate from 8:00 am to 8:00 pm on weekdays and remain closed on weekends for ongoing construction and beautification efforts. Notably, Chief Minister Shinde declared the entire road toll-free.
Also read ➡️ India’s First Underwater Metro Inaugurated In Kolkata By PM Modi – Ticket Price | Route | Stations
Spanning 10.58 kilometers and costing Rs 13,983 crore, the project includes India’s first undersea tunnel, stretching 2.72 kilometers. The northbound carriageway, featuring the tunnel, promenade, and underground parking, is expected to be completed by May. Phase 2 of the project will extend the coastal road from Bandra to Versova, covering 29.20 kilometers.
The completion of the coastal road and the Mumbai Trans Harbour Link (MTHL), inaugurated earlier, are significant achievements for the BJP-Sena-NCP government, especially as national elections approach.
While the coastal road promises to ease commuting, critics argue it prioritizes cars over public transport and threatens the coastal ecosystem and livelihoods of fishing communities. The project’s high cost and limited accessibility for heavy vehicles, two-wheelers, and pedestrians have raised concerns among citizens.
The Mumbai Mobility Forum highlights the need for affordable and efficient public transportation in Mumbai’s densely populated landscape. Despite discussions with the BMC, concerns about pedestrian access and commuter-friendly infrastructure remain unaddressed.
The coastal road aims to streamline travel from Worli to Marine Drive, but concerns persist about traffic congestion and its impact on the Marine Drive promenade, home to numerous Art Deco buildings.
Environmental concerns surrounding the project include the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation’s failure to seek proper approval under Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) rules. Reclaiming 111 hectares of sea land has disrupted marine ecosystems, affecting fishing communities like the Kolis.
Also read ➡️ PM Modi Inaugurates India’s Longest Cable-Stayed Bridge, ‘Sudarshan Setu’
The Kolis, Mumbai’s earliest inhabitants, depend on coastal fishing for their livelihoods. However, infrastructure projects like the coastal road and the Bandra-Worli Sea Link have severely affected their traditional way of life. Despite government assurances and compensation, the Kolis fear for the future of their community and livelihoods.
Inaugurating the project, the government assured attention to the concerns of fishing communities, but for the Kolis, compensation cannot compensate for the loss of their way of life and the uncertain future facing generations to come.
