CM Fadnavis Sets December 2028 Goal for Coastal Road Project

Signal-Free Coastal Corridor Planned to Connect Nariman Point to Bhayandar and Reduce Highway Congestion

Mumbai’s ambitious Coastal Road expansion is moving ahead, with the northern section from Versova to Bhayandar expected to be completed by December 2028, according to Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis.

After reviewing construction progress at the project site, Fadnavis said the government is focused on creating a seamless and signal-free travel route from South Mumbai to the northern suburbs and beyond.

Coastal Road Expansion Aims to Ease Pressure on Western Express Highway

Speaking to the media after the inspection visit, the Chief Minister highlighted the growing traffic burden on Mumbai’s roads.

He said nearly 60% of the city’s traffic currently depends on the Western Express Highway. To reduce congestion and improve travel efficiency, the government is developing a continuous coastal corridor stretching from Nariman Point to Bhayandar.

According to Fadnavis, authorities are working toward completing the full corridor by October, November, or December 2028.

Versova–Bhayandar Link to Complete Mumbai’s Coastal Network

The inspection covered ongoing work on the Versova–Bhayandar Link Road, also known as Coastal Road North.

Joining the visit were Mayor Ritu Tawde, Guardian Minister Ashish Shelar, MLA Ameet Satam, and senior officials from the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC).

Once finished, the northern section will connect Versova directly to Bhayandar, creating uninterrupted travel across Mumbai and the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR).

This project will complement the already operational southern section of the Coastal Road, which opened in 2024 and currently links Nariman Point with the Bandra-Worli Sea Link.

Fadnavis also shared that construction of the Bandra–Versova connector is progressing quickly, with a target completion date of March 2028.

Environmental Concerns Rise Over Mangrove Clearing

Even as construction progresses, concerns have emerged over environmental impact, particularly mangrove removal linked to the project.

The BMC has started mangrove clearing activities in Charkop Sector 8 for Coastal Road North development.

Reports indicate that more than 45,000 mangroves spread across approximately 103.65 hectares may be impacted by the project.

Out of these, around 9,000 mangroves are expected to be permanently removed, while the remaining areas are planned for restoration and replantation within four years.

Authorities have also identified land in Chandrapur and Palghar districts for compensatory plantation efforts.

Government Says Mangrove Conservation Remains a Priority

Responding to criticism, Chief Minister Fadnavis stated that Maharashtra continues to lead in mangrove conservation.

He noted that according to observations recorded by the Forest Survey of India, Maharashtra and the Mumbai Metropolitan Region have seen growth in mangrove cover due to ongoing plantation drives, mangrove park development, and conservation programs.

The government maintains that infrastructure development and environmental protection can move forward together through restoration and conservation measures.

What This Means for Mumbai Commuters

If completed on schedule, Mumbai’s expanded Coastal Road network could significantly improve travel time and provide a major alternative to the heavily used Western Express Highway.

The project is expected to reshape daily commuting by offering faster, uninterrupted connectivity between South Mumbai and the northern metropolitan region.