Mumbai coastal road project expected to be completed by May 2024, says CM Shinde

A general view of residential buildings amidst the coastal road construction work in Mumbai (Reuters file image)

The Mumbai coastal project, which will connect the city's south with its western suburbs, is expected to be completed by May 2024, Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde said on January 2.

Shinde, while replying to a query raised in the Maharashtra Legislative Council, said the project's cost went up not due to the delay in completion, but due to the change in alignment to address the concerns of the fishermen community of Worli.

The project's estimated cost has gone up to Rs 13,060 crore. According to Shinde, the alignment of the road was changed to allow a gap of 120 metres between the road pillars in Worli. This is aimed at allowing smooth passage of boats used by the fishermen.

Watch: Full details of the Mumbai coastal road project

"Due to the delay, the contract period of the general consultant has increased and his fees have been increased due to additional tasks, such as scrutinizing the plans of the proposed 120 meter waterway, supervision of the integrated centralised control center and consultancy for the beautification work," the Times of India quoted Shinde as stating in his reply.

Shinde was responding to the queries raised by Opposition legislators Anil Parab and Satyajeet Tambe. The chief minister's reply, however, did not clarify if the coastal road would have toll gates, as per reports.

Notably, the coastal project was launched in October 2018, but its completion was delayed due to legal battles, the onset of COVID-19 pandemic and the protests by the local fishermen community.