Mumbai Coastal Road Video Impact: BMC Presents Explanation, Promises Quick Repairs

A viral video showing patchwork on the newly constructed north-bound stretch of the Mumbai Coastal Road near Haji Ali has caught the attention of the Prime Minister's Office (PMO).

According to a report by NDTV Marathi, a senior officer overseeing the project shared a message in a WhatsApp group of the Mumbai civic body, Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC). The message revealed that the video had been forwarded to the Maharashtra Chief Secretary by the Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister.

"This is serious, coming from the PMO," the officer noted.

The incident was triggered when a 19-second, undated video, was shared on social media platform X (formerly Twitter) by a user identified as ‘@drifteternal_’ on Wednesday. 

“This is beyond disappointing. Mumbai’s Rs 14,000 crore Coastal Road already looks like patchwork. I feel betrayed—this was supposed to be world-class infrastructure,” the user complained, seeking accountability from the BMC and contractor Larsen & Toubro (L&T) Ltd.

As the video went viral, the BMC issued an explanation on X, noting that the asphalting work on this stretch was completed during the pre-monsoon period.

“This resulted in some separation at the joints of the work done in the subsequent days. To prevent further damage, the issue was temporarily repaired using mastic asphalt during the monsoon,” the civic body said.

It also added that the work is being planned to have these patches milled as required. When the user further inquired about the timeline for the repair work, the BMC responded: Within 15 to 20 days. 

The Mumbai Coastal Road Project (MCRP), which was opened partially last year, is aimed at providing faster access from south Mumbai to the northern suburbs (Nariman Point to Dahisar). According to available data, over 50 lakh vehicles have used the route since its inauguration in March 2024, up until the end of the year.

The entire MCRP stretches across 29.2 kilometres with eight lanes of grade-separated expressway, L&T says on its website.

With 94% of the work complete, the coastal road will be fully open to citizens after the Prabhadevi connector is finished in February, Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis said last month.