July 7, 2025: Mumbai is set to get a crucial east-west connectivity boost with a proposed six-lane elevated corridor linking Senapati Bapat Marg—near Phoenix Mills and Kamla Mills—to Lala Lajpatrai Road at Haji Ali, where the coastal road has designated entry and exit points. The project aims to significantly reduce travel time for commuters from Parel, Dadar, Matunga, and Mahim, allowing them to reach the coastal road near Haji Ali junction in just minutes.
The proposed 1.5-km viaduct will trace the edge of the Mahalaxmi Racecourse and pass close to the NSCI Dome. According to officials from the urban development department, the plan has been designed to avoid land acquisition and ensure that traffic flow remains unaffected during construction.
Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde said: “It is more than just an infrastructure project; it’s a visionary step toward Mumbai’s future… We are committed to building a faster, cleaner MMR that respects Mumbaikars’ time and space.”
The corridor will start near the coastal road entry/exit at Lala Lajpatrai Road, cut through open spaces beside the racecourse and stadiums, and end near E Moses Road on Senapati Bapat Marg. It will provide seamless access to key roads, including Gokhale Road, NM Joshi Marg, and Bhavani Shankar Road, among others, thereby enhancing connectivity to landmarks such as Siddhivinayak Temple, Shivaji Park, and Mahim.
Estimated to cost between Rs 250–300 crore, the corridor is expected to cut commute times by up to 30 minutes during peak hours, offering relief from several current chokepoints. Currently, vehicles traveling from Haji Ali to Dadar or Parel must navigate a lengthy detour via Worli or Nehru Science Centre.
Source: The Times of India
