Elevating Connectivity: A Closer Look at the Upcoming Mumbai Coastal Road Project

By lodha

Mumbai, India’s financial capital, is a city that’s constantly on the move. With its bustling streets, iconic landmarks and diverse culture, Mumbai is the epitome of a thriving metropolis. However, for years there has been an ever-growing challenge – the relentless traffic gridlock. Mumbai’s traffic congestion ranks among the highest globally, with commuters spending an average of 135 hours stuck in traffic each year, according to the TomTom Traffic Index. As the economic epicentre of the nation, the need for efficient transportation is more pressing than ever. To address these issues and provide a smoother commute for its residents, Mumbai has embarked on a game-changing infrastructure initiative: the Mumbai Coastal Road.

Key Facts at a Glance

• Project cost: ₹ 12,721 crore for Phase 1.
• Total estimated cost: approximately ₹ 14,000 crore for the full route.
• Total length: ~29 km (Phase 1 ~10 km; Phase 2 ~19 km) — the full “Mumbai coastal road length”. 
• Lanes: eight dedicated lanes (six for regular vehicular traffic + two for Bus Rapid Transit). 
• Timeline: Phase 1 was inaugurated in March 2024; full completion of Phase 2 expected by 2025.
• Project contractors: major engineering names such as Larsen & Toubro (L&T) and the HCC-HDC JV.

Connecting South Mumbai to the Western Suburbs

The Mumbai Coastal Road project has been meticulously planned to address several critical challenges that have long plagued the city. Stretching from the southern tip of the city — South Mumbai (SoBo) — to the western suburbs, this expansive coastal route is set to transform the way Mumbai’s residents commute and experience the city.

One of the primary objectives of the project is to alleviate the severe traffic congestion that has become an everyday reality for Mumbaikars. The existing road network, while extensive, struggles to accommodate the ever-growing number of vehicles on the city’s streets. As a result, daily commutes are often time-consuming and frustrating, with gridlock traffic becoming a common occurrence during rush hours. According to corporation estimates, the coastal road is poised to dramatically reduce travel time between the Princess Street Flyover and the Bandra‑Worli Sea Link (BWSL) to under ten minutes, substantially improving from the current 35–45 minutes during peak hours.

Beyond its practical benefits, the Mumbai coastal road promenade will provide a more enjoyable and scenic commute experience. The road’s alignment along Mumbai’s picturesque coastline promises travellers breathtaking views of the Arabian Sea — a welcome departure from the usual urban congestion.

Moreover, the scheme aims to curtail fuel consumption by some 35 per cent, diminish noise and air pollution, and reduce the annual carbon footprint by approximately 1,826 tons.

Benefits of the Coastal Road Project:

• Improves travel along Mumbai’s western coastline, for residents and commuters alike.
• Eases traffic flow, particularly in densely populated areas.
• Generates jobs and stimulates local businesses through construction and maintenance.
• Offers a promenade with green spaces, cycle tracks, an Amphitheatre and recreational zones along the coastal alignment.
• Enhances emergency response capabilities for disaster-management along the coast.
• Reduces congestion, enhances connectivity, and creates recreational spaces for a better quality of life.

Phase Breakdown, Eco-friendly Planning & Phase 2 Details

Phase 1 spans approximately 10 kilometres from the Princess Street Flyover at Marine Lines to the Worli terminus of the Bandra-Worli Sea Link. It was inaugurated on 11 March 2024 and executed at an estimated cost of ₹12,721 crore.

Phase 2, also referred to as the “Mumbai coastal road phase 2”, constitutes a 19 km extension connecting Bandra, Versova and Kandivali (north of the city). This second phase is being awarded to multiple contractors including L&T and HCC-HDC JV, under the collective project contractors umbrella. (Swarajya)

In line with forward-looking urban design, the project incorporates eco-friendly planning: dedicated cycle tracks, an amphitheatre overlooking the sea, extensive promenades and landscaped recreational zones. The integration of such amenities emphasises that the coastal road is not merely a transport corridor, but a high-quality public realm, enhancing lifestyle and connectivity in equal measure.

Reshaping Real Estate

The Mumbai Coastal Road Project is already leaving an indelible mark on the city’s real-estate landscape. This ambitious infrastructure development will not only enhance connectivity but also add significant value to properties in its vicinity. Areas along the corridor — particularly from South Mumbai to Kandivali — have witnessed a surge in demand for residential and commercial real estate. Studies indicate property price appreciation of approximately 5-15 per cent since the project commenced, reflecting the premium being placed on improved accessibility, scenic views and future-proof infrastructure.

As the project progresses and its benefits become increasingly evident, it is expected to continue influencing property values, urban development and investment opportunities along its entire path.

The Strategic Imperative for Lodha

At Lodha, we believe that infrastructure is the backbone of premium living and investment. With the Mumbai coastal road project cost anchored at ₹14,000 crore and executed by world-class contractors, the corridor presents an unprecedented connectivity upgrade for Mumbai’s western shoreline. By aligning our developments with such transformational infrastructure, we deliver unparalleled lifestyle and value. From our South-Mumbai luxury residences to our western-suburbs premium clusters, Lodha is at the forefront of real-estate innovation, offering residents a lifestyle imbued with sophistication, ease and distinction.