Mumbai Coastal Gardens Plan Sparks Traffic Concerns

Mumbai's revised Coastal Gardens masterplan has sparked concerns among Breach Candy residents about increased traffic congestion in the area. The plan proposes three exits from the stretch, which residents fear will lead to multifold traffic congestion.

In response, the 'Unlock Exit' campaign has been launched, demanding an exit at Napeansea Road from the Coastal Road. The campaign has garnered support from at least 145 buildings in Breach Candy, Malabar Hill, Walkeshwar, and Kemps Corner, representing around 5,900 households and 40,000 residents.

Residents are worried that the lack of sufficient parking spaces in the area will lead to cars being parked on the roads, increasing traffic at locations like Mukesh Chowk. They believe that an exit at Napeansea Road is essential to prevent the area from becoming congested.

The revised masterplan, submitted by Reliance Industries Ltd (RIL) to the BMC, includes 11 ticketed zones, a 7.6 km end-to-end pathway, and 15 city-side entrances. The BMC is currently scrutinizing the plan and will send it for final approval to the municipal commissioner.

A BMC officer stated that the project has in-principal approval and that RIL has planted around 15,000 saplings on the landscaping zones. However, the officer noted that the demand for an exit at Napeansea Road is being considered, but no decision has been made yet.

The land required for an additional exit at Napeansea Road is currently in the possession of the MSRDC, which is resistant to handing it over to the BMC. Residents have also pointed out that the landscaping committee of the BMC formed for the Coastal Gardens project does not include a representative from the traffic police.

The committee has only heads of departments from garden and roads, and two ward officers. Residents are questioning why a senior official from the Mumbai Traffic police is not part of the committee, given that the project has several entry/exits that can add to traffic woes.

The BMC has accepted that Mukesh Chowk witnesses traffic congestion, and residents are hoping that the authority will take their concerns into consideration. The demand for an exit at Napeansea Road is gaining momentum, with residents pushing for a solution to the potential traffic congestion problem.

The Coastal Gardens project aims to make the area a global attraction, but residents are prioritizing the need for a well-planned traffic management system. As the project moves forward, it remains to be seen how the BMC will address the concerns of the residents and ensure that the area does not become congested.

The fate of the Coastal Gardens project and the demand for an exit at Napeansea Road will be closely watched by the residents of Breach Candy and surrounding areas. The BMC's decision on the matter will have a significant impact on the traffic situation in the area, and residents are hoping for a positive outcome.