How Coastal Roads and Metro Infrastructure Is Changing Mumbai

The Mumbai Metropolitan Region covers an expansive 6,328 square kilometers area, and its transformation goes beyond towering skyscrapers and iconic landmarks. Known as the ‘City of Dreams,’ Mumbai is currently undergoing significant infrastructure developments that promise to reshape its landscape.

Upcoming projects such as coastal roads, underground metros, bridges, and expansions of international airports are set to usher in a new era for the city. These developments, part of a $30 billion infrastructure overhaul, are poised to bring substantial changes to Mumbai.

Consequently, there has been a surge in housing demand within the metropolitan area, driving up property prices. The average cost per square foot for a house in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR) currently stands at Rs 19,557, reflecting the city’s dynamic real estate market. Overall, Mumbai’s ongoing infrastructure advancements not only aim to improve connectivity and livability but also signify its ambition to meet the evolving needs of its residents and businesses.

Why Is There A Need For New Infrastructure In Mumbai?

Mumbai, among the world’s most densely populated cities with a number of 21,673,000 people, has experienced a rapid population increase, exerting immense pressure on its current infrastructure. This growth necessitates expansion to adequately serve its residents. As India’s financial hub, Mumbai hosts a multitude of businesses, financial institutions, and industries. Improved infrastructure not only supports economic activities but also enhances productivity and attracts crucial investments for sustained development.

The city struggles with significant transportation challenges, including severe traffic congestion and overcrowded public transport systems. Addressing these issues is essential to facilitate smoother movement within Mumbai and improve overall connectivity for all residents and business facilities.

Furthermore, enhancing social infrastructure such as healthcare facilities, educational institutions, recreational spaces, and cultural centers plays a pivotal role in enhancing residents’ well-being and quality of life.

Some Of The Infrastructure Developments Are As Follows:

Coastal Road:
The Mumbai Coastal Road, stretching from Worli to Marine Lines, will initially be accessible to the public only from 7 am to 11 am on weekdays. Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde announced on May 27 that the second phase, extending from Marine Drive to Worli, will open by June 10. 

In addition to its iconic landmarks, vibrant culture, and economic prominence, Mumbai is notorious for its traffic congestion. To alleviate this, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has conceived the Mumbai Coastal Road Project along the Western seafront. The project aims to establish a crucial North-South Trunk route, enhancing city-wide connectivity.

The inaugural phase of the Mumbai Coastal Road spans 9.98 km, connecting from the Princess Street Flyover at Marine Lines to the Worli end of the Bandra-Worli Sea Link. It includes seafront development and is a pioneering infrastructure project in India. Scheduled for completion in the first half of 2024, Phase 1 cost approximately Rs 13,000 crore. Almost many daily travelers felt it convenient to travel as it takes 12-15 minutes distance that used to take almost 40-45 mins.

The initiative is set to complement Mumbai’s infrastructure with the 33.5 km Aqua Line 3 of the Mumbai Metro, running underground from Cuffe Parade to Aarey. This integrated approach promises to improve mobility between North and South Mumbai.

Mumbai Underground Metro:
The Mumbai Underground Metros are going to be a huge hit as the majority of people are looking forward to saving time and avoiding traffic jams in the city. The Mumbai Underground metros begin its operations from 24th of July, 2024. There are altogether 27 stops starting from Aarey Colony to Cuffe Parade. The metro spans 33.5 km and will have 260 services daily, between 6:30am to 11pm. This will help people to commute daily without any hassle as the journey which would take them two hours of their daily time will now be completed in 50 minutes due to the speed range of 90 km per hour of the underground metro.

The 27 Metro Stations are as follows:
1. Cuffe Parade

2. Vidhan Bhavan

3. Churchgate

4. Hutatma Chowk

5. CST metro

6. Kalbadevi 

7. Girgaon

8. Grant Road

9. Mumbai Central

10. Mahalaxmi

11. Nehru Science Museum

12. Atre Chowk

13. Worli

14. Siddhivinayak

15. Dadar

16. Sitladevi

17. Dharavi

18. BKC

19.Vidyanagari

20. Santacruz

21. Domestic Airport

22. Sahar Road

23. International Airport

24. Marol Naka

25. MIDC

26. SEEPZ

27. Aarey Depot

Atal Setu Bridge:

Image Credits: Pinterest

The Mumbai Trans Harbour Link with its official name Atal Setu Bridge after former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayeeis also known as India’s Largest bridge that spans six-lanes. It opened to the public on January 12th, 2024. Overseen by the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority, this project is classified as a Regional Development Project and is being executed at an estimated cost of approximately Rs 18,000 crore. The toll for passengers for a one way journey is Rs. 250 whereas the round trip toll is Rs. 375.

Lately, many people have taken over on twitter and other social media platforms to share how the Atal Setu Bridge during the sunset period looks mesmerizing like as if it was a scene of a hollywood movie and some even went on to say that they believed the scene looks like a NewYork skyline.

Image Credits: Twitter

Navi Mumbai International Airport:
The Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA), situated in Ulwe, Navi Mumbai, is set to become a significant aviation hub for Mumbai and its surrounding regions. With a projected completion cost of Rs 18,000 crore spread across five phases, the airport is being developed by the Adani Group. It is slated to be operational by March 2025, marking a pivotal milestone as Mumbai will be India’s first city with two operational international airports.

Civil Aviation Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia announced earlier this year that the first flight is expected to land at NMIA by November or December, emphasizing its role in spurring Navi Mumbai’s comprehensive development. The project aims to create over one lakh jobs by its final phase, contributing significantly to the local economy and infrastructure.

Named officially as the DB Patil Navi Mumbai Airport, the NMIA is poised to enhance regional connectivity and ease congestion at Mumbai’s existing Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport. This ambitious venture underscores India’s vision to expand aviation capacity across major cities, with plans for multiple cities to have two airports within the next decade.

Overall, Mumbai’s infrastructure development not only serves as important transportation routes but also as recreational spaces and scenic vistas that contribute to the city’s charm and character.