India has consistently focused on improving its infrastructure, with road connectivity being a cornerstone of infrastructure development. The Mumbai coastal road project (MCRP) stands out as a transformative road project aimed at addressing regional transit challenges and unlocking economic potential.
Led by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), the project includes India’s first undersea tunnel, establishing new benchmarks in sustainable and innovative urban road design.
Project specifications
The project spans 29.2 km in total and is divided into two primary phases. Phase I, covering 10.5 km, will connect Marine Drive with the Bandra-Worli Sea Link (BWSL). Phase II extends further north from Versova to Dahisar, adding another 20 km to the corridor. AECOM has been appointed as the general consultant for the project, providing specialised guidance to support the BMC in managing the project’s execution and ensure adherence to high standards of design and sustainability. In March 2024, southbound lanes from Worli to Marine Lines became operational. Moreover, the entire expressway is expected to be opened by December 2024.
Phase I of the MCRP connects the Princess Flyover Road with the BWSL. This phase incorporates two eight-lane carriageways, one for northbound and one for southbound traffic, with each featuring an additional lane for public buses. Phase I is set to cost around Rs 127 billion. It also features the country’s first undersea tunnel, a 2.07 km twin tunnel running between Girgaum and Priyadarshini Park, located 7-20 metres below the Arabian Sea. The project further includes 10 bus bays, 16 pedestrian underpasses and three underground parking lots with a combined capacity of 1,800 vehicles.
In addition to this, Phase I includes a 550 metre vehicular underpass to facilitate southbound traffic from Worli Seaface to the Worli interchange, enhancing connectivity for vehicles travelling southward from Prabhadevi or Worli towards Nariman Point.
Beyond this, Phase I emphasises green urban spaces, dedicating approximately 70 of the 90 hectares of reclaimed land to landscaped areas with promenades, cycle tracks, amphitheatres and children’s play zones. Despite the project being under construction, a few parts are operational, with completion anticipated by December 2024. This phase is also referred to as the Western Freeway.
Phase II of the MCRP will extend connectivity from Versova in the western suburbs to Dahisar, spanning approximately 19.22 km and divided into six sections (Packages A to F). Key segments include road connectivity from Versova to Bangur Nagar, Bangur Nagar to Mindspace (Malad), and Mindspace to Charkop (Kandivali), among others. A significant component is the 9.6 km Bandra-Versova Sea Link, which will feature connectors to Bandra, Carter Road and Juhu Koliwada. Much like Phase I, this section will also include green spaces along the corridor
Contracts for Phase II have been awarded to APCO Infratech (Packages A and F), J Kumar Infra Projects (in a joint venture with NCC Limited) (Package B), Megha Engineering Private Limited (Packages C and D) and Larsen & Toubro (L&T) (Package E). Construction is scheduled to begin prior to the 2024 monsoon season, with project completion projected within a four-year time frame.
Phase II is set to include a ground breaking set of tunnels, which will be located up to 40 metres below the surface, between Mindspace in Malad and Charkop Gaon in Kandivali. This phase aims to establish a high speed corridor that will span 22.93 km at a cost of Rs 166.21 billion, connecting Versova to Dahisar and serving the northern-western suburbs of Mumbai.
Among other innovative features, a 4 km section of this phase will involve twin tunnels passing through the Poisar river, Madh Creek and surrounding mangrove patches. This new tunnel will be Mumbai’s first vehicular tunnel to pass under rivers and creeks.
Key features
For time and fuel efficiency, a dedicated bus rapid transit system lane and park facilities have been made integral parts of the MCRP, offering commuters accessible public transit options. The project’s design optimises fuel efficiency, with a projected 34 per cent daily reduction in fuel consumption, potentially saving commuters an impressive $100 million annually.
When considering environmental benefits, the MCRP is designed to significantly lower Mumbai’s carbon emissions, with an estimated reduction of 1,826 tonnes of CO2 equivalent per year. This aligns with the project’s eco-conscious goals, which also include designated lanes for buses and emergency vehicles.
To protect against coastal erosion, the project has incorporated an 8.5 metre high seawall along vulnerable coastal stretches. It also employs innovative construction techniques, including L&T’s monopile foundation system, which departs from conventional methods to enhance efficiency and cost savings.
Demonstrating engineering excellence, the MCRP includes complex features such as gravity-defying raised carriageways and the use of tunnel boring machines, with one machine, Mavala, breaking new ground in tunnel construction. Challenges such as the construction of a 75 metre long radius interchange bridge over the sea have been carefully planned to maintain the project’s safety and structural integrity.
In sum
In conclusion, the project stands as a monumental achievement in road infrastructure, set to transform Mumbai’s coastal landscape. As it progresses toward completion, the MCRP promises to significantly contribute to the city’s economic growth and quality of life.
