BMC Deploys 200 Engineers to Fast-Track Mumbai's Ambitious 22-km Coastal Road Phase II

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation has announced plans to deploy approximately 200 civil engineers to oversee the complex 22-kilometer Versova-Dahisar Link Road project, which represents the commencement of Mumbai's Coastal Road Phase II development. Municipal officials stated that this strategic workforce expansion would ensure enhanced coordination, superior quality control, and adherence to project timelines for the massive infrastructure undertaking that forms part of the city's comprehensive coastal development strategy.

Engineering Workforce Expansion Addresses Project Management Challenges

Municipal sources revealed that the corporation's existing engineering capacity had been severely strained due to multiple concurrent mega-projects, including the Goregaon–Mulund Link Road and the Madh–Versova bridge. Civic authorities acknowledged that the proposal to supplement the workforce with 200 additional engineers represents a crucial intervention to prevent potential delays, enhance on-site supervision, and ensure seamless coordination across various municipal departments.

The additional engineering personnel are expected to manage intricate segments of the VDLR project, which encompasses elevated roadways, tunnel systems, complex interchanges, and cable-stayed bridge infrastructure. Officials emphasized that their deployment would also strengthen safety protocols and facilitate improved communication channels between construction contractors and civic departments.

Comprehensive Development Plans for Second Phase

The ambitious coastal infrastructure project extends approximately 22 kilometers from Versova to Dahisar, constituting a vital northward extension of Mumbai's flagship western seafront corridor. Urban planners indicated that the development was designed to alleviate traffic congestion, significantly reduce inter-suburban travel times, and provide an alternative coastal route to the heavily congested Western Express Highway.

Construction authorities disclosed that the project has been distributed among multiple contractors and will feature sophisticated engineering solutions, including underpasses, viaducts, and interconnected road systems specifically engineered to withstand challenging marine environmental conditions. The comprehensive development incorporates modern urban planning principles to optimize traffic flow patterns and enhance resilience against environmental challenges.

Municipal planning documents revealed that an additional elevated section spanning 5.6 kilometers from Dahisar to Bhayandar is scheduled to commence construction in August 2025, with project completion targeted for December 2028.

Infrastructure Alignment Concerns Trigger Design Modifications

However, the proposed coastal road alignment has generated significant controversy due to potential impacts on existing infrastructure. Civic engineers confirmed that the Veer Savarkar Flyover in Goregaon, which was constructed in 2018 at a cost of ₹27 crore, is now being considered for demolition as it reportedly obstructs the new road's planned alignment.

This development has prompted public concerns regarding wasteful planning practices and inadequate long-term urban development strategies. In response to these concerns, municipal authorities indicated they are investigating a two-tiered redesign solution for the flyover that would preserve its functionality while accommodating the new coastal road design. The proposed modification would feature an upper deck handling coastal road traffic, while the lower tier would continue serving local transportation needs, thereby minimizing operational disruption.

Construction Progresses Despite Pending Environmental Clearances

Construction officials reported that preliminary development activities, including piling operations and foundation preparations, have already commenced in areas that fall outside Coastal Regulation Zone restrictions. However, environmental compliance requirements for corridor sections passing through environmentally sensitive zones remain pending, with multiple clearances still awaited under the CRZ 2019 Notification and Environmental Impact Assessment 2006 guidelines.

Environmental authorities confirmed that Stage-1 clearance has been granted for specific segments involving mangrove area diversions, but comprehensive development in these zones cannot proceed until final regulatory approvals are secured.

Strategic Infrastructure Initiative for Western Suburbs

Municipal planners emphasized that the Versova-Dahisar Link Road transcends conventional infrastructure development, representing a comprehensive modernization initiative for Mumbai's coastal transit infrastructure. With construction activities scheduled to intensify from September 2025, the project is positioned to substantially enhance connectivity for the city's rapidly developing western suburbs.

The deployment of 200 engineers demonstrates the project's scale and urgency, ensuring that technical expertise aligns with the initiative's complexity. As Mumbai continues experiencing rapid growth and urbanization, such transformative infrastructure projects are considered essential for maintaining the city's mobility and overall livability standards.