The Coastal Road, inaugurated partially on March 12, has witnessed heavy traffic, with almost 4.5 lakh vehicles taking the route, averaging 19,500 vehicles per day. Efforts are underway to bridge the gap between the southbound arm's Worli end and the Bandra-Worli Sea Link. It is currently operating from Monday to Friday, 8 a.m.- 8 p.m., with restricted entry from Worli after 5 p.m. Residents note its impact on traffic flow, with ongoing efforts to address bottlenecks. The road promises to enhance connectivity and alleviate congestion, representing a significant advancement in Mumbai's transportation infrastructure.
Since its partial opening on March 12, the Coastal Road has witnessed nearly 4.5 lakh vehicles traversing its signal-free stretch from Worli to Marine Drive, averaging about 19,500 vehicles per day. On March 15, it recorded its highest daily traffic of 22,880 vehicles, with the peak hourly count reaching 2,943 on March 21, a Thursday between 10 and 11 a.m. The BMC is currently working on bridging the gap between the southbound arm's Worli end and the Bandra-Worli Sea Link, and they expect to complete this connection soon with the arrival of a 136-meter bowstring girder.
BMC anticipates full road accessibility by June. While authorities have kept the Coastal Road closed on weekends, they made exceptions on April 13 for Eid and IPL matches, demonstrating their adaptive management. According to BMC officials, traffic typically surges between 10 a.m. and noon and 6-7 p.m. Operating from Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., the road permits one-way traffic from Bindu Madhav Thackeray Chowk in Worli to the exit of the southbound tunnel near Princess Street Flyover on Marine Drive. Notably, entry from Worli is restricted after 5 p.m.
A civic official explained the restricted timing as work continues on the northbound carriageway. Local residents like Mahendra Hemdev of Marine Drive acknowledge the transformative impact of Coastal Road on traffic flow, eagerly awaiting the completion of the northbound section. A resident of Peddar Road, observed a reduction in traffic and honking on weekdays, contrasting with increased congestion on Saturdays when Coastal Road is closed. He identified persistent bottlenecks, notably the U-turn necessary to access Coastal Road from the Breach Candy interchange.
It is imperative to implement adequate road signage to specify and identify the essential connecting routes. BMC is addressing this concern by installing a signal at the Breach Candy junction, streamlining access, and reducing reliance on U-turns. These developments underscore Coastal Road's evolving role as a critical artery for Mumbai's vehicular movement, enhancing connectivity while addressing ongoing traffic challenges.
In conclusion, the Coastal Road project represents a significant step forward in Mumbai's transportation infrastructure. As efforts continue to bridge gaps and address challenges, it promises to improve connectivity and alleviate congestion. With adaptive management and community engagement, the road is set to become a vital artery for the city, facilitating smoother travel and enhancing overall urban mobility.
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