The high-speed Dahisar-Bhayander Link Road (DBLR) and the second phase of the Coastal Road Project are two significant projects that the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) is preparing to expedite. The Rs 20,648 crore projects are expected to greatly improve communication between the island city of Mumbai and its northern suburbs.
The Coastal Road’s second phase will be 22.93 km long, beginning in Versova, Andheri, and ending in Dahisar, on Mumbai’s northern outskirts. This phase, which is expected to cost Rs 16,621 crore, would include numerous flyovers, bridges, and subterranean tunnels, all of which need different environmental permissions from the federal and state governments. Two of the three required environmental approvals have already been obtained, senior BMC officials said. The only thing pending is approval from the forest department. According to an official, civil work will start as soon as all necessary permits are obtained.
Environmental clearance criteria were comparable for the Coastal Road’s first phase. This phase, which was first described in the 1967 Development Plan, just started up this year in March after securing the required authorisations.
The 10.58-kilometer operational first phase of the Coastal Road connects Marine Drive to the Bandra-Worli Sea Link via a system of elevated highways, bridges, underground tunnels, and interchanges. To obtain approval for sea reclamation to build the Coastal Road, the BMC and state governments submitted a plan to the Union government in 2015. The final approval was given in 2017 after a thorough Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), but with the condition that reclamation would only be used for road building and that no commercial activity would be allowed in the area.
The BMC has suggested the 5.6-kilometer DBLR, which would be the last section of the Coastal Road under Mumbai’s control, as the second phase of the road ends in Dahisar. The Mira-Bhayander Municipal Corporation (MBMC) will oversee 4.1 kilometres of this corridor, while BMC will be in charge of 1.5 kilometres. The DBLR, which is expected to cost Rs 4,027 crore, will be 45 meters wide, elevated, and equipped with four lanes in each direction to promote efficient traffic movement. In addition to proposals for multi-level parking and a transit bay underneath the road, officials have stated that lanes will be set aside for emergency vehicles.
This project requires environmental permissions because it will cross waterways and mangrove habitats. Last year, a contract for this project was given to the BMC. However, because the civic body is still awaiting environmental permissions, the real construction on the ground has not yet started.
In conclusion, by drawing in foreign investment and improving local mobility, the effective execution of these infrastructure projects will not only improve Mumbai’s connectivity but also spur economic growth. The Coastal Road and DBLR projects are expected to greatly enhance Mumbai inhabitants’ quality of life and strengthen the city’s standing as a key metropolitan hub.
Source: Prop News Time
