Maharashtra to seek Centre's nod for Rs. 8,500-cr coastal road project.

The Maharashtra government and the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) will have to launch a massive exercise to reclaim about 110 hectares for the Rs 8,500-crore coastal road connecting Nariman Point in south Mumbai and Kandivli in north Mumbai. The 35.6-km road will run parallel to the coast and it will have about 22 exit and entry points. The Maharashtra Coastal Zone Management Authority (MCZMA) had approved BMC’s proposal last week with a rider that the reclaimed land would not be used for real estate development and commercial purpose; it would be used for only road, open spaces and cycle track.

An MCZMA official told Business Standard: 'According to the Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) notification issued in 2011, bridges on tilt or pillar were permitted in the sea and there was no provision for coastal road through reclamation. It will need amendments to the CRZ notification whereby land will be reclaimed for coastal road.'

The official said upon MCZMA's accepting the BMC proposal, the Centre would issue a draft notification seeking suggestions and objections. Thereafter, a final notification would be released, which would pave way for the commencement of development work.

BS