Feasibility study on coastal road evokes mixed reactions

Meanwhile,the state government’s decision to rethink over the 3.4-km sea link at this stage invited mixed reactions. The MSRDC is exploring the possibility of a coastal road following recent amendments to the Coastal Regulatory Zone (CRZ) norms that make special provisions for coastal roads and other amenities in Mumbai.

Leader of Opposition in the Assembly Eknath Khadse slammed the government for the last minute flip-flop on a key infrastructure project. “The decision to build a sea link had been taken long ago. Now,why has the government suddenly suggested a change of plan? The government should have examined all options before tendering and awarding the contract. The government since they are in power have been delaying the progress of the city,” said Khadse.

On the other hand,Narinder Nayar of Bombay First,an NGO working closely with the state government on several projects calls this a positive move by the government. “I think this is a very sensible move to explore the possibility of a coastal road. In fact,we have been writing to environment department and MSRDC to opt for a coastal road for the last 18 months,” Nayar said. The coastal road,according to him,should be constructed up to Nariman Point simultaneously. “What good is a coastal road till Haji Ali? They are just shifting the bottleneck,not resolving any issues. The coastal road should be constructed simultaneously till Nariman Point.” Nayar said the tendering would take up more time,if this option is taken,but it would be cost effective.

MP Milind Deora said the government should be more “transparent” in its decisions. “I have not seen anything official on this,but the minister should explain the change of plan to the people,if there is any. All the decision about the city’s infrastructure should take into account the future projections,” he said.

According to the MSRDC officials,if the plan for coastal road is finalised,they would save Rs 1,600 crore as well as construction time. They also hinted that the stretch from Worli to Nariman Point and from Bandra to Versova would be a coastal road if the final nod is given by the environment department,a major hurdle.

“We will take majority of time for technical and environmental feasibility. Once a final nod is granted,the coastal road will be taken up for the entire route till Nariman Point. We are also planning to float tender for Versova-Bandra link by April. One can expect the entire patch of the Western Freeway to be a coastal road,” said a senior official.