Centre Targets December 2028 Completion for Coastal Road Project: Piyush Goyal
Piyush Goyal reviews major infrastructure projects, says expressway, bridge and desalination initiatives will boost connectivity and water security across Mumbai.
MUMBAI, Aug 2: The Centre has reaffirmed its commitment to accelerating Mumbai’s infrastructure development, with Union Minister Piyush Goyal announcing that the Bandra-Versova-Bhayander Coastal Road expansion is expected to be completed by March 2029. While the government is aiming to finish construction by December 2028, March 2029 has been set as the official target timeline.
During a comprehensive review meeting on Sunday, Goyal assessed the progress of several high-priority infrastructure projects, including the Mumbai Coastal Road, the proposed desalination plant, the Madh-Versova Bridge and other connectivity initiatives designed to improve transport across the city.
Additional Municipal Commissioner Abhijit Bangar presented detailed updates on the execution status, construction milestones and expected public benefits of each project. Officials highlighted the pace of work on the Bandra-Versova section, while construction on the Versova-Bhayander stretch has recently begun after securing all statutory approvals.
Addressing reporters after the review, Goyal said the government remains focused on completing the ambitious road network within the planned schedule. He noted that the expressway will significantly reduce travel time between south Mumbai and the western suburbs, making daily commuting faster and more efficient.
The eight-lane coastal corridor is expected to transform urban mobility by cutting travel duration from nearly two hours to around 40 minutes. Authorities believe the project will also reduce congestion on major city roads by offering an alternative high-speed route along Mumbai’s western coastline.
Goyal further said that the planned interchanges and an extensive tunnel network in north Mumbai will improve east-west connectivity while easing traffic pressure on the Western Express Highway, one of the city’s busiest transport corridors.
The minister also reviewed progress on the proposed desalination plant, which is expected to enhance Mumbai’s long-term drinking water supply. Once operational, the facility will provide potable water to localities including Gorai, Manori, Mahavir Nagar, Borivali, Charkop and nearby areas, strengthening the city’s water security amid rising demand.
On concerns raised by local fishing communities, Goyal assured that project planners are working to safeguard traditional livelihoods while implementing large-scale infrastructure works. He said the government is taking a balanced approach to ensure development progresses without adversely affecting coastal communities.
The ongoing infrastructure push forms part of broader efforts to modernise Mumbai’s transport network, improve public services and support the city’s growing population through better connectivity and sustainable urban planning.
