MMRDA Halts Marine Drive Road Widening Project Amid Traffic Concerns
MMRDA stalls Marine Drive road widening project
Hindustan Times
Image: Hindustan Times
The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) has paused the widening of Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Road at Marine Drive from six to twelve lanes, pending the completion of the Orange Gate-Marine Drive twin tunnel project, expected by June 2028. Local residents expressed relief over the decision, citing concerns over traffic flow and planning processes.
- 01The MMRDA's decision to halt the road widening project aims to assess traffic patterns after the completion of the twin tunnels.
- 02The twin-tunnel project will connect the Eastern Freeway with the Mumbai Coastal Road and is expected to be completed by June 2028.
- 03The road widening plan, approved by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, was intended to alleviate traffic bottlenecks in South Mumbai.
- 04Residents of Marine Drive expressed concerns about the necessity and planning of the widening project, emphasizing the need for community consultation.
- 05Experts suggest evaluating existing traffic flow before deciding on additional lanes, highlighting alternative connectivity solutions.
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The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) has decided to suspend the widening of Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Road at Marine Drive from six lanes to twelve until the completion of the Orange Gate-Marine Drive twin tunnel project, which is scheduled for June 2028. Officials stated that it is premature to implement the widening without first analyzing traffic patterns post-tunnel completion. The initial plan, approved by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis in April 2022, aimed to enhance road connectivity in South Mumbai and prevent traffic congestion. However, local residents, including Ashok Gupta from the Marine Drive Residents’ Association, expressed relief over the halt, criticizing the lack of thorough technical studies and community engagement prior to the proposal. Atul Kumar, president of the Nariman Point Churchgate Citizens Association, emphasized the importance of evaluating current traffic flow and suggested that improving connections between Nariman Point and Cuffe Parade should take precedence over simply adding more lanes.
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The decision to pause the road widening project allows for a reassessment of traffic management in the area, addressing residents' concerns.
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