The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) will showcase the disaster management measures taken for the construction of Mumbai’s Coastal Road project during the G20 2nd Disaster Risk Reduction Working Group (DRRWG) Meeting scheduled from May 23-25. The Coastal Road project, a significant infrastructure development in Mumbai, is a 10.5 km long stretch of road connecting Princess Street Flyover on Shyamaldas Gandhi Marg to the Worli side of the Worli Bandra Sea Link. It will add to Mumbai’s existing 250 km road network and is currently 73.5% complete.
The Coastal Road project design has considered potential natural disasters while prioritizing environmental compliances and public convenience, according to the project’s Additional Municipal Commissioner (Eastern Suburbs), BMC, Ashwini Bhide. A safety wall spanning 15.60,770 square feet or 13.6% of the project’s total area will be constructed to prevent sea waves from causing erosion, soil corrosion, and tidal impacts while promoting marine life growth. The project also includes a 2-kilometer twin tunnel with a Saccardo ventilation system to enhance airflow and ventilation, and fire safety features are provided throughout the project.
The construction of the Coastal Road project presents an opportunity to improve Mumbai’s stormwater drainage system to avert subsequent environmental damage. Every effort is being made during the construction phase to reduce air pollution, with the ready-mix concrete plants and casting yards covered. In addition, parks will be built in the area to preserve the natural environment and enhance the urban landscape.
Moreover, an 8.5 km wide sidewalk along the Coastal Road project will feature cycling paths, open theaters, underground parking, and restrooms. This sidewalk will run from Worli to Haji Ali to Priyadarshini Park and transform the Worli Sea Face area into a more environmentally friendly and cozy space. The project’s disaster management measures will be showcased during the G20 DRRWG meeting discussions on early warning, resilient infra, national response, building back better, and nature-based solutions.