Mumbai’s ambitious coastal road project has come under fire from commuters and activists due to poor repair work and questionable quality control. Recent patches on the road near Haji Ali Junction, coupled with viral videos of cement-filled potholes, have sparked widespread criticism on social media, raising concerns about the long-term viability of this multi-crore infrastructure project.

Commuter Frustration and Activist Outcry

Motorists using the north-bound stretch of the coastal road near Haji Ali have expressed their frustration over uneven surfaces and visible patches left by repair work. Social media has been abuzz with complaints, with many questioning the Mumbai Municipal Corporation’s (BMC) accountability for the poor road conditions. Some citizens have pointed out that a project of this magnitude, built at a cost of ₹13,000 crore, should not suffer from such basic infrastructure issues.

Activist Zoru Bhathena voiced his concerns, stating that the ride from Chowpatty to Worli has become bumpy, unlike the smooth drive on the Bandra-Worli Sea Link or the elevated airport road. “A project of such exorbitant costs having a bad surface is terrible, but the way they have repaired the road is worse,” he remarked. The poor state of repairs, he argued, reflects a deeper problem in the way the project is being executed.

BMC's Response and Repair Strategy

In defense of the ongoing repairs, BMC officials clarified that the mastic asphalting on certain patches was a preventive measure taken before the monsoon. The north-bound stretch was resurfaced just before the rains, which prevented the asphalt from settling properly. To avoid potholes during the wet season, an additional protective layer was applied, but post-monsoon milling is planned to ensure an even surface.

BMC sources further explained that asphalt work is typically done during non-monsoon months to allow proper setting under traffic conditions. However, in this case, the timing of the repairs was less than ideal, leading to the current issues. Officials have promised to rectify the uneven surfaces once the rains subside.

Viral Video and Public Backlash

Adding fuel to the fire, a viral video circulating on social media showed patches of cement concrete used to fill cracks on the coastal road. The footage has led to a fresh wave of criticism, with many questioning the quality of the construction work. The fact that such issues are emerging on a road built at a colossal cost of ₹13,000 crore has left citizens questioning the competence of the project managers.

Netizens have taken to social media platforms, trolling Mumbai's infrastructure and raising concerns about the future of other roads across the city if such problems are occurring on a high-profile project like the coastal road.

Future Developments: Bandra-Worli Sea Link Expansion

Despite these challenges, the municipality is pushing ahead with its plans for faster travel along the coastal route. The southern arm of the coastal road arch bridge, which connects to the Bandra-Worli Sea Link, is expected to open soon, possibly by mid-September. This development will allow smoother traffic flow between Marine Drive and Bandra, further easing congestion in one of Mumbai's busiest areas.

However, until the road’s surface issues are resolved, motorists may continue to face a bumpy ride, raising ongoing concerns about the long-term quality of the coastal road project.