Mumbai, Aug 14 (NationPress) Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis declared on Thursday that the Mumbai Coastal Road will be accessible for vehicular traffic around the clock from August 15.

He expressed that the vision of 'Mumbai within 59 minutes' will soon become a reality. The metro network is experiencing rapid expansion, with at least 50 kilometers of metro lines being completed annually. Additionally, the road infrastructure is undergoing significant improvements, with two vital link bridges inaugurated to ease traffic congestion for Mumbaikars. This development aims to reduce travel time between the eastern and western suburbs.

The Chief Minister was addressing the launch of numerous development projects executed by the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority and the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation.

Present at the event were Deputy Chief Ministers Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar, Cultural Affairs Minister Ashish Shelar, BMC Commissioner Bhushan Gagrani, and MMRDA Commissioner Dr. Sanjay Mukherjee.

CM Fadnavis emphasized that the coastal road in Mumbai will be operational 24 hours starting from August 15, urging drivers to adhere to traffic regulations as the road is under CCTV surveillance.

This new infrastructure is poised to be transformative for traffic management, featuring a pedestrian walkway and a cycle track designed for public use.

Furthermore, the Chief Minister revealed that additional routes are under construction to alleviate congestion on the Western Express Highway. “Tunnels, link bridges, and flyovers connecting various segments of Mumbai will significantly ease traffic. Our goal is to complete ongoing development projects in Mumbai by 2028-29. While enhancing Mumbai, we prioritize environmental considerations. Sustainable development cannot disregard ecological factors; thus, we are incorporating environmental principles into our projects. We are utilizing advanced technologies surpassing foreign standards for new constructions,” he stated.

CM Fadnavis also mentioned that soon, air-conditioned coaches equipped with automatic doors similar to the metro will be introduced into the suburban railway system.

He reiterated that metro projects are not merely intended for traffic improvement but also serve as a substantial avenue for job creation. Providing quality accommodation and services for employees boosts their productivity.

He expressed optimism that Mumbai's advancement will accelerate without compromising developmental integrity.

Deputy Chief Minister Shinde remarked that the ongoing city projects are positively transforming citizens' lifestyles. The metro network has now expanded to over 450 km, simplifying travel between the eastern and western suburbs while minimizing traffic congestion, conserving fuel, and saving time. Metro and other initiatives are being executed promptly to enhance public transport quality, with some projects completed ahead of schedule.

Deputy Chief Minister Pawar pointed out that the momentum of Mumbai's growth is critical for national development. As the financial capital, comprehensive development initiatives are underway. The government is dedicated to ensuring public safety and high-quality infrastructure.

During this event, the Rs 70 crore Metro Training Institute established by the Mumbai Metropolitan Development Authority in Mandal was inaugurated. This institute will cultivate skilled personnel for the Metro, reducing training costs and generating revenue by training staff for metro projects in other states.

The Chembur-Santacruz Link Cable Stayed Bridge, Part 1, is the largest curved cable-stayed bridge in Asia with a 100-meter radius. Additionally, the Rs 90 crore employee accommodation building in Malvani consists of two structures with a total of 156 flats.

The Arm D flyover at Kalanagar Junction and the 5.25 km Vihar Kshetra along with a pedestrian underpass on Dharmaveer, Swarajyarakshak Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj Mumbai Kinara Road were also inaugurated.