Mumbai Coastal Road Phase I inaugurated; check speed limits, traffic guidelines & more

The long-awaited south-bound corridor of Mumbai Coastal Road, a pivotal segment spanning from Worli to Marine Drive, is now open for vehicular traffic. Stretching across 9.5 kilometres, the first phase of the Mumbai Coastal Road Project, inaugurated on March 11, will be accessible by the public from March 12.

Currently, only the south-bound section, covering 9.5 kilometres out of 10.58 kilometers, will be opened. The remaining one-kilometre stretch will link the road to Bandra-Worli Sea Link, which will be in the form of a bridge. The north-bound road is expected to become operational by May 2024.

Almost 12 years since the idea's conception, Mumbai Coastal Road Project (MCRP), also known as the Dharmveer Swarajya Rakshak Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj Coastal Road, is now partially inaugurated. The Mumbai Coastal Road Project Phase 1 began construction on October 13, 2018, with an estimated cost of ₹12,721 crore. Additionally, plan was also announced for a large central park spanning 320 acres along the 'Dharmaveer Sambhaji Maharaj Coastal Road'.

The first phase has opened a 9.5-kilometer stretch to traffic, accessible from Worli Seaface, Haji Ali interchange, and Amarson's interchange, with exits at Marine Lines.

The Mumbai Police issued an official notice stating that the Dharamveer Swarajya Rakshak Chatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj Marg, also known as the Mumbai Coastal Road, designed for swift traffic flow, will be partially open for vehicles.

• The partial opening of the Mumbai Coastal Road will take place along Khan Abdul Gaffar Khan Road and from Bindu Madhav Thackeray Junction to Marine Drive (Princess Street Bridge) South Bound.

• Vehicular traffic will be allowed between 6:00 AM and 8:00 PM from Monday to Friday [due to the ongoing construction work].

• It is strictly prohibited to stop vehicles mid-journey, disembark, or take photos or videos along the route.

Speed Limit-

• Speed limit on straight road: 80 km/hr

• Speed limit in the tunnel: 60 km/hr

• Speed limit at turning points, entry, and exit points: 40 km/hr

Entry restricted for:

• Heavy vehicles, trailers, mixers, tractors, and heavy goods vehicles are not allowed, except for BEST and ST buses, passengers carrying vehicles, and goods carrier vehicles.

• Two-wheelers, cycles, disabled persons' motorcycles and scooters (including sidecars) are not permitted.

• Three-wheelers are not allowed.

• Animal-drawn carts, tongs, and handcarts are prohibited.

• Pedestrians are not allowed on the road.

• No tolls as of now.

Entry points of Mumbai Coastal Road:

1. Bindu Madhav Thackeray Junction

2. Rajani Patel Junction (Lotus Junction)

3. Amarsons Garden

Exit points of Mumbai Coastal Road:

1. Amarsons Garden

2. Marine Drive (Princess Street Bridge)

The project offers significant benefits including seamless connectivity, between Marine Drive and the Bandra-Worli Sea Link (BWSL) - slashing travel time from 45-50 minutes to under 10 minutes. It brings about fuel savings of up to 34%, resulting in a decrease in carbon footprint by approximately 1,826 tonnes per year. Moreover, it contributes to reducing noise and air pollution. Additionally, dedicated bus lanes will help alleviate the burden on heavy traffic, enhancing overall traffic flow.