Mumbai’s New Coastal Tunnel to Cut Commute by May

— by Lofty Green

Mumbai’s 550-meter Dadar-Coastal Road tunnel is set to open by May, easing congestion and improving travel times across the city.

 

Mumbai’s New Coastal Lifeline: Dadar Tunnel Nearing Completion

A major infrastructure upgrade is quietly transforming how Mumbai moves. Deep beneath Khan Abdul Gaffar Khan Road, a new tunnel is preparing to redefine the daily commute for thousands of Mumbaikars. Spanning 550 meters and stretching 11 meters wide, this southbound underpass is set to link Dadar and Prabhadevi directly to the Mumbai Coastal Road—promising smoother drives and significantly reduced congestion.

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has confirmed the tunnel’s launch by early May, a timeline eagerly awaited by commuters tired of bottlenecks in Worli and around Haji Ali. More than a road project, this tunnel serves as a crucial missing piece in the city’s ambitious 10.58-kilometer Mumbai Coastal Road initiative.

A Strategic Move in Mumbai’s Coastal Vision

As the only tunnel in the broader coastal road blueprint, this underpass plays an essential role in connecting the city’s center to both its western suburbs and southern edges. Once operational, vehicles coming from the Sewri-Worli elevated corridor can bypass traditional choke points and merge directly onto the scenic expressway.

“This tunnel completes a vital link,” a senior BMC official shared with The Indian Express. “Motorists will now be able to travel from Dadar straight onto the coastal road without navigating congested interchanges like Worli and Haji Ali.”

Such a direct connection is expected to ease the pressure on surface roads while providing a faster, more seamless commute.

What to Expect: Route and Features

The underpass begins at J K Kapur Chowk, near Prabhadevi, and travels beneath the heavily trafficked Khan Abdul Gaffar Khan Road, emerging at the vehicular interchange near the Bindoo Madhav Thackeray Chowk close to Worli Sea Face.

Crews are currently adding finishing touches, including:

  • Precise lane markings
  • Installation of modern lighting systems
  • Final surfacing and aesthetic detailing of the tunnel’s interior walls

According to BMC engineers, these final steps are progressing on schedule and should be wrapped up within weeks.

For Drivers: A Shift in Traffic Flow

Here’s how your commute might change once the tunnel opens:

  • Southbound only: The underpass is designed exclusively for traffic heading south from Dadar and Prabhadevi.
  • No need for Worli detours: Motorists can skip the usual roundabout routes via Worli and Haji Ali.
  • Direct choices: Once inside, drivers can head west towards Bandra or continue south towards Marine Drive and Nariman Point.

This intelligent traffic design aims to balance flow and minimize intersections, reducing the potential for jams during peak hours.

Urban Relief or Just the Beginning?

Urban planners and mobility experts have long emphasized the need for integrated transport networks in cities as dense and dynamic as Mumbai. The Dadar-Coastal Road tunnel is a step in that direction. While it’s not a silver bullet, it represents how smart design and thoughtful execution can enhance quality of life—if paired with long-term vision.

According to a recent NITI Aayog report, Indian cities lose over $22 billion annually due to traffic congestion. Infrastructure projects like this one offer hope for reclaiming some of that lost productivity while also improving environmental outcomes through smoother traffic flow and fewer idling engines.

The Bigger Picture: Coastal Road’s Growing Impact

This tunnel is just one segment of the larger Coastal Road master plan, which includes sea links, elevated corridors, and green spaces designed to relieve pressure from Mumbai’s saturated inland arteries. The entire project, when completed, will span over 29 kilometers and is expected to cut north-south travel time by up to 70%.

While delays, cost overruns, and political debates have slowed some phases, the Dadar tunnel’s timely completion signals renewed momentum. It also reinforces BMC’s focus on delivering impactful urban solutions before the monsoon season adds pressure to the city’s infrastructure.

Final Thoughts: A Step Forward for Mumbai’s Commute

As Mumbai inches toward becoming a smarter, more connected metropolis, projects like the Dadar-Coastal Road tunnel offer tangible signs of progress. For daily commuters, this means less time behind the wheel and more time where it counts—at home, at work, or enjoying the city’s vibrant streets.

With its official opening just weeks away, this new underpass promises to not only reshape travel routes but also reshape what residents expect from their city. It’s a move that doesn’t just pave roads—it paves the way forward.

Disclaimer:
This article is based on information provided by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation and verified reports as of April 2025. Project timelines and features are subject to change depending on final inspections and civic approvals.

source : News18