Mumbai Coastal Road Exit Campaign Gains Momentum with PWD Meeting
Following a Times of India report from March 29, South Mumbai residents have intensified their campaign titled 'Unlock the Exit,' which advocates for a south-bound exit on the Mumbai Coastal Road leading towards Nepean Sea Road. The campaign recently achieved a significant milestone as a group of residents secured a crucial hearing with the Public Works Department (PWD).
Key Demands and Official Engagement
The residents, spearheaded by local BJP MLA MP Lodha, presented a municipal commissioner's letter dated December 26, 2025, to Additional Chief Secretary of PWD Milind Mhaiskar. The letter formally requests that the Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC) transfer a 10.5-meter-wide land strip from its Nepean Sea Road plot. This land is essential for constructing either an exit or a public road aimed at alleviating severe traffic congestion in the Breach Candy–Kemps Corner–Malabar Hill corridor.
A resident involved in the campaign expressed gratitude, stating, "We thank MLA M P Lodha and Milind Mhaiskar (IAS) for hearing our representation. Given broad public support, we urge the PWD to clear the BMC's proposal to convert the 10.5m land strip in the MSRDC Nepean Sea Road plot into a public road to decongest the Breach Candy–Kemps Corner–Malabar Hill corridor."
Clarification on Land Requirements
The residents have clarified that their request is specifically for a 10.5-meter land strip located at the extreme right end of the MSRDC plot, adjacent to the Embassy Apartments compound wall. They emphasize that they are not seeking the entire MSRDC plot, but only this narrow strip to facilitate the much-needed infrastructure improvement.
Historical Context and Current Issues
The movement, driven by residents from Breach Candy to Malabar Hill, highlights that a critical exit was originally proposed during earlier planning stages but was omitted from the final Detailed Project Report of 2016. This omission has contributed to the current severe congestion in the area. Residents report that while the Coastal Road has significantly reduced travel time from Bandra to South Mumbai, the final 300-meter stretch to Mukesh Chowk can take between 20 to 25 minutes during peak hours, underscoring the urgency of the proposed exit.
Growing Public Support
In a separate development, the campaign has garnered substantial backing from the local community. Within just eight days of its launch, the initiative received endorsements from over 60 housing societies across the Breach Candy-Kemps Corner-Malabar Hill corridor, representing a total of 3,090 households. This widespread support demonstrates the critical need for traffic relief in the densely populated area.
Authorities' Concerns
Sources indicate that authorities are concerned that allocating part of the land for a public road could diminish the monetary value of the MSRDC plot. This economic consideration poses a potential hurdle, but residents remain hopeful that the public interest in reducing congestion will prevail.
The 'Unlock the Exit' campaign continues to advocate for this infrastructure enhancement, aiming to improve daily commutes and reduce traffic bottlenecks in one of Mumbai's most congested corridors.
