First phase of Mumbai coastal road inaugurated: Key highlights from the ceremony

Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde on Monday inaugurated the first phase of the coastal road between Worli and Marine Drive in south MumbaiA 105kilometerlong stretch will be opened for traffic in the first phase an official earlier said adding that motorists can enter the coastal road from Worli Seaface Haji Ali interchange and Amarsons interchange points and exit at Marine LinesDeputy CMs Devendra Fadnavis Ajit Pawar and other dignitaries were present when the southbound corridor of the Mumbai coastal road was inaugurated on MondayHere are some highlights from the inauguration ceremonyWorldclass Mumbai Central ParkWhile inaugurating the first phase of the Mumbai coastal road Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde announced the creation of Mumbai Central Park by combining green spaces along the coastal road and the Mahalaxmi racecourse totalling over 300 acresAlso Read Mumbai CM Eknath Shinde inaugurates southbound corridor of Coastal RoadHe said that the park would benefit all Mumbaikars and highlighted efforts to address the demands of the Koli community criticising the former government for neglecting their requestsShinde pledged to extend the span of the project to 120 meters to accommodate the Kolis needs underscoring the projects commitment to the citys first inhabitantsCoastal road an engineering marvel Eknath ShindeMaharashtra CM Eknath Shinde said that the coastal road has been constructed using very advanced technology We can call it an engineering marvel he saidThe previous government had no faith so the project was delayed Devendra Fadnavis got environmental clearances from the Center when he was Chief Minister So this coastal road could be completed quickly But giving credit requires an open mind A person with a bad attitude can never do this Shinde saidDevelopment of Siddhivinayak TempleOn the occasion Shinde also said the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation BMC has made a provision of Rs 500 crore in its budget for the Siddhivinayak Temple area development in the cityA DPR detailed project report is being prepared for it the CM said adding he has asked to appoint the same architect for the work who prepared the Mahakal corridor plan in Madhya Pradeshs Ujjain cityFadnavis slams ThackerayDeputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis slammed former Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray highlighting that the idea of the Coastal Road project existed for decades but faced hurdles in implementation due to CRZ rulesFadnavis attributed the projects progress to the BJP government stating that it gained momentum only after the BJP came to power both at the central and state levelsUnder our administration modifications to CRZ rules were swiftly achieved enabling environmental clearances for the project he claimedFadnavis emphasized that the reclaimed land would be dedicated to public open spaces ensuring a No Development Zone along the coastal roadA green solution to pollution Ajit PawarDuring the inauguration ceremony Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar said Mumbai is now ranked as one of the most polluted cities in India and our government has vowed to make this city free from pollution woesThe coastal road is a major milestone which will not only lead to a reduction in carbon footprint but also will provide an added green cover of 175 acres to the city The open spaces of the coastal road will be connected with Mahalaxmi Racecourse with an underground tunnel that will collectively become an open space of up to 300 acres said Deputy CM Ajit PawarAll you need to know about Mumbai Coastal RoadThe Mumbai Police in an official traffic notification said Dharamveer Swarajya Rakshak Chatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj Marg Mumbai Coastal Road constructed for fast traffic movements will be partially opened for vehicular traffic on Khan Abdul Gaffar Khan Road and Bindu Madhav Thackeray Junction to Marine Drive Princess Street Bridge South BoundThe vehicular traffic would be allowed at this stretch between 6 am and 8 pm from Monday to FridayNotably stopping vehicles to get out of vehicles and also click pictures or take videos on the route is strictly prohibitedApproximately Rs 14000 crores have been invested in the 1058kilometerlong Mumbai Coastal Road Project including reservoir roads pools improved roads and interchanges at Amarsons Haji Ali and WorliEarlier in January Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde had said that the Mumbai coastal road connecting Marine Drive with BandraWorli Sea Link will be tollfree