Mumbai's Coastal Road: Boon or Bane for Breach Candy Residents?

Barely a month after its inauguration Mumbai's iconic coastal road is already facing criticism from residents of Breach Candy. While the project aims to ease traffic congestion in the city residents in this south Mumbai locality are experiencing the opposite effect.

Traffic Woes:

- The Breach Candy Residents Forum (ALMF) representing over 450 buildings has lodged a complaint with the traffic department. 
- The influx of traffic from the coastal road has caused severe congestion on Bhulabhai Desai Road a narrow street that cannot be widened due to existing buildings.
- Residents report long wait times exceeding 20 minutes during peak hours to make a U-turn near St. Stephen's Church due to heavy traffic flow.

Resident Demands:

- Installation of traffic lights on Bhulabhai Desai Road to manage the traffic influx. 
- The ALM emphasizes the daily struggles faced by residents due to increased traffic and limited space.

Climate Concerns:

- Some residents have also raised concerns about the reclamation work for the coastal road alleging it's an unsustainable use of public funds and not climate-friendly.

Uncertain Solutions:

- The traffic department acknowledges the issue but states that studying traffic patterns for a few months is necessary before installing traffic lights.

Looking Ahead:

Balancing the needs of residents with the larger goal of decongesting Mumbai's traffic will be a challenge for authorities. Addressing traffic management strategies and potential environmental impacts will be crucial for the long-term success of the coastal road project.