Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to inaugurate the Mumbai Coastal Road Project (MCRP) on February 19, coinciding with the birth anniversary of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj. The project, a brainchild of the BJP-Shiv Sena-NCP government led by Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, is named Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj Coastal Motorway and aims to alleviate traffic congestion in the financial hub of the country.
Mumbai Coastal Road: Connecting Western Coastline
Built at an estimated cost of Rs 13,000 crore, the MCRP is an engineering marvel, featuring an under-construction 8-lane, toll-free motorway. Stretching 29.2 km along Mumbai's western coastline, it connects Marine Lines in the South to Kandivali in the North. The first phase, currently under construction, spans 10.58 km from Princess Street Flyover to the Worli-end of the Bandra-Worli Sea Link.
Mumbai Coastal Road: Historical Naming and Inauguration
Named after the legendary Maratha warrior's son, Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, the project holds historical significance. The inauguration by Prime Minister Modi will cover the coastal road section from Marine Drive to Worli. Chief Minister Shinde, leading the inspection and review of the project's progress, highlights its importance in enhancing Mumbai's infrastructure.
Mumbai Coastal Road: Aaditya Thackeray's Concerns
Expressing concerns, Worli MLA and Shiv Sena leader Aaditya Thackeray pointed out that the MCRP was initially proposed in July 2013 by Uddhav Thackeray. He emphasised the substantial progress made between 2017-18 until the government change in 2022, calling out the interruption in governance. Thackeray criticised the potential inauguration of an incomplete coastal road for political gains, raising questions about the city being exploited for political motives.
Mumbai Coastal Road: Political Controversy
Thackeray lamented the intrusion of politicians unrelated to the project, accusing them of exploiting Maharashtra's government and looting Mumbai. He urged caution against inaugurating a partially completed project for political credit, deeming it an ill-advised move. The controversy highlights the intersection of infrastructure development and political maneuvering in Mumbai.
