With the election year ahead, Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray had flagged off the construction work on the south bound tunnel of the Coastal Road Project in January. The CM had said that it would be completed by October this year. However, the BMC’s ruling party is now claiming that at least one part of the Coastal Road’s underwater tunnel is to be delayed. The tunnel boring machine (TBM) has only managed to bore 800 metres so far, way lesser than the expected 2.072 kilometres.

The Shiv Sena chief along with Yuva Sena chief and Cabinet Minister Aaditya Thackeray have been seen inaugurating various works done by the BMC and other agencies in the city, with an eye on civic elections likely to be held early next year. The plan was to finish work on one tunnel before the election code of conduct kicks in, to show the city the achievements of the ruling party.