Mumbai Coastal Road Operational Daily, Heavy Vehicle Ban
Mumbai’s much-anticipated Coastal Road is all set to become operational on a daily basis, starting September 21. The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has announced that the road, which connects Marine Lines to Worli, will now be open for traffic seven days a week, as opposed to its previous operation only on weekdays from 7 am to midnight.
The Mumbai Coastal Road project, officially known as the Dharmaveer Swarajyarakshak Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj Mumbai Coastal Road, has been a massive undertaking. With 92% of the construction work already completed, the road is set to provide a seamless connection from the Shamaldas Gandhi Marg flyover to the Worli end of the Bandra-Worli Sea Link.
The construction of this ambitious project began on October 13, 2018, with a budget of ₹13,983 crore. The BMC’s decision to open the road on all days of the week is expected to ease traffic congestion and provide a faster commute for residents and commuters in the city.
Heavy Vehicle Ban and Traffic Regulations
In a separate notification, the Mumbai police’s traffic wing has imposed a ban on heavy vehicles from plying on the Coastal Road. Vehicles such as trailers, mixers, tractors, and goods vehicles are prohibited from using the road. Additionally, two-wheelers, bicycles, two-wheelers with sidecars, three-wheelers, animal-driven carts, and pedestrians are also not allowed on this route.
The police have issued strict guidelines for the Coastal Road, including speed limits of 80 km/h on straight stretches, 60 km/h in tunnels, 40 km/h at turns, and 30 km/h at the merging point with the Bandra-Worli Sea Link. These regulations are put in place to ensure the safety of all commuters using the road.
During the recent Ganpati festival, the BMC kept the Coastal Road open 24/7 from September 7 to September 17 to accommodate the increased traffic during the festive season. Moving forward, the southbound arm of the road from Bindumadhav Thackeray Chowk, Rajni Patel Chowk, and Ambedkar Udyan to Marine Drive, as well as the northbound route to the Sea Link, will remain open for vehicular movement.
Commuter Safety and Caution
The BMC has urged commuters to adhere to traffic rules, speed limits, and exercise caution while driving on the Coastal Road to prevent accidents. With the road now open on all days of the week, it is important for drivers to be mindful of their surroundings and follow the designated regulations to ensure a smooth and safe commute for all.
In conclusion, the opening of the Mumbai Coastal Road on a daily basis marks a significant milestone in the city’s infrastructure development. With the completion of this project, commuters can look forward to a more efficient and convenient travel experience along this vital road artery. By following the specified guidelines and regulations, all users can contribute to making the Coastal Road a safer and more enjoyable route for everyone.