Daijiworld Media Network - Mumbai
Mumbai, Nov 2: Nearly three weeks after a dramatic accident on the Mumbai Coastal Road, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has issued a notice to a motorist, directing him to pay a fine of Rs 2.65 lakh for damaging the roadside guardrails. The civic body has also warned that if the fine is not paid, the amount will be recovered through his property tax.
The incident occurred on October 7, when 29-year-old Frashogar Darayush Battiwala lost control of his vehicle, which broke through the safety railing and plunged into the sea. Personnel from the Maharashtra Security Force rushed to the spot and rescued him. The car was retrieved the following day with the help of local fishermen and police using magnetic lifting equipment.
Following an assessment, the BMC sent a letter to Battiwala’s residence in Tardeo, demanding compensation for the damage caused to the protective barriers. A civic official said, “There have been seven to eight minor cases of vehicles hitting the guardrails, but the damage in this case was extensive. Hence, the corporation decided to recover the cost to deter others from reckless driving.”
Mantayya Swamy, Chief Engineer of the Coastal Road Project, confirmed that the notice was issued. However, Battiwala was unavailable for comment.
Speeding a Major Concern on Coastal Road
Officials revealed that speeding and stunt driving have become a growing menace along the newly opened Coastal Road. The prescribed speed limit is 60 km/h inside the tunnel and 80 km/h on the rest of the stretch, but CCTV footage has captured numerous violations.
Since the installation of cameras on July 19, 2025, over 8,000 cases of speeding have been recorded till September. “Vehicles have been clocked at speeds of up to 147 km/h, especially late at night when traffic is minimal. Most accidents on this road are caused by overspeeding and dangerous stunts,” an official stated.
The BMC has said it will take stricter action against violators to ensure safety on the city’s prestigious coastal corridor.