Mumbai's ₹14,000 cr Coastal Road | Shoddy repairs & safety concerns; viral video stirs outrage!

Mumbai's Coastal Road is under scrutiny after a viral video exposed poor-quality patchwork on the newly built stretch. Captured on February 18, the footage shows uneven repairs, sparking public outrage.

Following a fatal accident on February 10, Mumbai Traffic Police urged better signage, prompting the BMC to allocate ₹8 crores for 28 speed detection cameras. Additionally, Breach Candy residents demand an additional exit at Nepean Sea Road to ease congestion.

The video shared by a user "Eternal Drift" on X, has garnered nearly 4,00,000 views and over 1,000 reposts. "This is beyond disappointing... L&T and BMC must be held accountable," the user wrote, questioning the use of the ₹14,000 crore public funds.

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) officials acknowledged the issue, explaining that the bitumen concrete road was laid during monsoons, and the joints between layers had opened up, necessitating recent asphalting work. This comes amid other concerns about inadequate signage on the road, particularly after a fatal accident on February 10 prompted the Mumbai Traffic Police to recommend larger digital signboards.

In response to safety concerns, the BMC has allocated ₹8 crores for installing 28 speed detection cameras along the route. Additionally, three police and traffic chowkies will be established at strategic locations: Love Grove Flyover, near Tata Garden, and the Worli car parking area, ensuring 24/7 surveillance.

In another development, Breach Candy residents are pushing for an additional exit at Nepean Sea Road to ease congestion. While the BMC has deemed it feasible, several challenges including land acquisition and storm-water drainage, need to be addressed before it can become a reality.

The project, which opened in phases since March 2024, awaits full commissioning, with its most recent section - the northbound arm connecting to the sea link - having opened on January 26, 2025. As concerns mount over the project's durability, especially with the approaching monsoon season, citizens continue to demand accountability from authorities and contractors involved.