Daijiworld Media Network - Mumbai
Mumbai, Jun 14: Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Sunday inspected the ongoing construction of the Versova-Dahisar stretch of the Mumbai Coastal Road project and said the entire corridor extending to Bhayandar is expected to be completed by the end of 2028.
Speaking to reporters during the inspection, Fadnavis said the ambitious project would significantly ease traffic congestion in Mumbai by providing a signal-free route along the city's western coastline.
"This will provide great relief to Mumbai. Nearly 60 per cent of Mumbai's traffic uses the Western Express Highway. To reduce that pressure, we are developing a signal-free road from Nariman Point to Bhayandar. Our effort is to complete the entire project by October-November or December 2028," he said.
The Mumbai Coastal Road is a 29.2-kilometre, toll-free, eight-lane expressway being developed along the city's western coast from Marine Lines to Kandivali, with future extensions planned up to Bhayandar.
The high-speed corridor is expected to reduce travel time across the route from more than two hours to around 40 minutes, offering a major boost to urban mobility and connectivity.
The project is considered one of Mumbai's most significant infrastructure initiatives aimed at decongesting major arterial roads and improving transportation efficiency.
Earlier this year, on February 12, Fadnavis inaugurated the 'Melody Road' stretch between Amarsons Garden and Breach Candy on the Dharmaveer Swarajyarakshak Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj Mumbai Coastal Road.
The stretch gained attention for its unique musical feature, where specially designed rumble strips play the Oscar-winning song Jai Ho as vehicles pass over them.
The concept, based on Hungarian technology, is among only a handful of similar installations worldwide.
Speaking during the inauguration, Ferenc Jari had said melody roads are rare globally and that Hungary offers one of the most cost-effective technologies for implementing such projects.
According to Jari, the initiative was conceived after an Indian businessman experienced a melody road in Hungary and proposed introducing a similar concept in Mumbai.
The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) subsequently identified the coastal road as the ideal location, while the song "Jai Ho" was selected for the musical installation.
Officials believe the coastal road project, once fully operational, will transform travel across Mumbai's western corridor and support the city's growing transportation needs.