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The Mumbai Coastal Road Project, a ₹12,000-crore initiative aimed at enhancing Mumbai's infrastructure, is facing substantial delays due to land acquisition issues. Residents of Worli, a coastal area in Mumbai, have been protesting against the project's land acquisition process, demanding higher compensation for their properties.

Background of the Project

The Mumbai Coastal Road Project is designed to create a 35.6-kilometer freeway connecting Marine Lines in South Mumbai to Kandivali in the north. The project includes the construction of roads, bridges, tunnels, and interchanges, with the goal of reducing travel time and alleviating traffic congestion.

Land Acquisition Challenges

A significant portion of the project involves land reclamation and acquisition in areas like Worli. Residents have expressed concerns over the compensation offered for their properties, arguing that it does not reflect the true market value. This has led to protests and legal challenges, causing delays in the project's timeline.

Environmental Concerns

Environmentalists have raised concerns about the project's impact on marine biodiversity and the livelihoods of local fisherfolk. The reclamation of coastal land is feared to disrupt marine ecosystems and affect fishing communities.

Image Credit: Swarajya

Government's Response

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), responsible for the project, has acknowledged the delays and is in discussions with affected residents to address their concerns. The BMC has also been working to modify the design of the project to accommodate the demands of protesting residents, including changes to the pillar design to minimize displacement.

Current Status

As of now, the project is approximately 69% complete. The BMC has set a revised completion date for June 2024, extending the original deadline due to the ongoing land acquisition issues and design modifications.

The Mumbai Coastal Road Project, while promising significant improvements to the city's infrastructure, is currently facing challenges related to land acquisition and environmental concerns. The resolution of these issues is crucial for the timely and successful completion of the project.

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