Any infrastructure project has two sides -- the advantage it brings along for the habitats and the impact that occurs on the environment. It is imperative to strike a balance between the two so that while advantages of the infrastructure project accrue, impact on the environment is minimised and any losses caused during the construction stage are replenished.

The coastal road proposed for Mumbai has a similar set-off. Indeed, it will provide much-needed relief for choked, bumper-to-bumper traffic that has become an ugly reality of Mumbai’s suburban city commute. The pressure on traffic at road and rail will ease out tremendously. But above all, the enhanced connectivity will improve living standards and help promote economic growth due to more opportunity of easy connection to many commercial hubs of the city. As it will help create more employment, approximately 100,000 new employment opportunities, for the various corners of Mumbai which at present see no to less conjunction. Easy transportation of various materials of daily use would add on to the commercial strength of the business.

The coastal road will not only help deal with present-day problems but will also ensure that the city's traffic management becomes ‘future ready’ – a necessity for Mumbai’s future economic growth. From a real estate development perspective, we have seen the advantage that the Bandra-Worli Sealink and the Eastern Freeway has created; and there is no doubt the coastal road that will bring similar positives.

Having said that, we need to also work on ensuring that there’s less impact on the environment during the construction stage as well as during the sustaining life of the coastal road. Considering the city that has water practically on all sides, the ecosystem of the city including Thane creek and the Ullhas river flowing out to the Arabian Sea near Bhayandar-Vasai has a far more favorable marine environment for various species. Furthermore, it also provides an employment opportunity in terms of fishing and food for a section of the population.

Projected to be used by 130,000 vehicles daily, the project will result in a better commute and ease of traffic between South Mumbai and the Western suburbs, saving approximately 70 percent travel time, from two hours to 40 minutes. Also, it will result in a saving of 34 percent fuel (350 tonnes) valued at $100 million annually. Moreover, the coastal road will have a dedicated lane for buses and emergency vehicles such as ambulances. Other than these, the enhanced infrastructure in the form of walking paths, cycling and jogging tracks, an open-air theatre and free parking lots at Amarsons, Haji Ali and Worli interchanges with a capacity of 1,625 cars add to the positives.

On the environmental side, it will improve the conditions with 91 hectares of green space and provide protection against coastal erosion along with a reduction in the carbon footprint of 1826CO2e every year. Last but not least, the coastal road will be toll-free.

In a nutshell, the coastal road adds on to the existing Bandra-Worli Seas Link to enhance infrastructure set-up, making life easier for Mumbaikars. It dovetails existing road and upcoming metro linkages to create a multi-modal transport system that will ensure Mumbai’s transport infrastructure is future perfect, ensuring economic growth in the future.

Niranjan Hiranandani is the national president of NAREDCO.

First Published:Jun 10, 2019 6:00 AM IST