Put coastal road project on fast track: Shiv Sena to BMC

Shiv Sena executive president Uddhav Thackeray has shown his interest in expediting the process of inviting bids for the 35.6km Nariman Point to Kandivli coastal road. Thackeray suggested that the civic administration not wait any longer, and take up the project as soon as possible.

Last week, Sitaram Kunte, the municipal commissioner, along with the three additional municipal commissioners, made a presentation about the project at the mayor’s bungalow.

The plan for the road linking Nariman Point and Kandivli and running parallel to the coast was prepared by Subodh Kumar, former municipal commissioner, who had projected that the cost factor could be generated from the revenue BMC would get from the charges levied against the fungible FSI in all new developments.

Termed as the dream project of chief minister Prithviraj Chavan, it is expected to be tagged as a national project and will cost Rs8,000 crore.

“The coastal road project is not only one of the most expensive projects the civic body has taken up, but also a prestigious one of national importance. By extending support, the Shiv Sena will add another feather to its cap,” said a senior civic official.

The official added that in current fiscal year, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation has not taken up a single new project, and that the coastal road project will be the first one if they initiate the bidding process quickly.

The road will take off at the Manora Guest House, opposite Mantralaya at Nariman Point, and tread through a tunnel between the NCPA and the Air India building. The Queen’s Necklace may have two more lanes added to accommodate more traffic up to Raj Bhavan.

Of the 35km, nearly 8km of the road will be reclaimed land, which will be reserved as a green zone, banning construction work.