Social Media Raises Concerns
The issue surfaced when an X user, @drifteternal, shared a video on February 19, stating, “This is beyond disappointing…14,000 crore Coastal Road already looks like patchwork. L&T and BMC must be held accountable.” The post received over 2,000 reposts and nearly ten lakh views, sparking concerns about the project’s execution.
Several users speculated whether the patchwork was a result of the project being rushed for an early inauguration before the assembly elections. One user commented, “In the rush to inaugurate the coastal road, this is what motorists get. Each wants to take credit…and the importance of inaugurating the facility as an achievement during their tenure. Now they have an excuse to dig and repair the road.”
BMC Responds to the Patchwork Issue
BMC officials acknowledged the presence of patchwork and attributed it to joints opening in the bitumen concrete laid before the monsoon. “The asphalting work on the northbound carriageway of the bridge at Haji Ali was completed during the pre-monsoon period, which resulted in some separation at the joints of the work done in the subsequent days. This was temporarily repaired using mastic asphalt during the monsoon to prevent further damage. These patches will be milled as required, and a new asphalting layer will be applied as per the specifications. The work is being planned accordingly,” the BMC stated.
Mumbai Coastal Road: Phased Openings
The Mumbai Coastal Road has been opened in phases since March 2024 and is yet to be fully operational. The southbound stretch from Worli to Marine Drive was inaugurated on March 11, followed by the northbound carriageway opening up to Haji Ali on June 10. The segment from Haji Ali to Worli was opened on July 11, and the northbound connector to the sea link was inaugurated on September 12.
Authorities are now addressing concerns over the quality of construction and ensuring that necessary repairs are carried out as per project specifications.
