Mumbai: As the Maharashtra State Road Corporation (MSRDC) is firm on not handing over its 67,000 sq ft land near Napean Sea Road (NSR) for an additional exit for the Coastal Road strech, the south Mumbai residents are now seeking help from the Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis’ office.
Residents Appeal to CM Fadnavis as Exit Plan Stalls
“The ball is in the CM’s court now. If he orders MSRDC to handover the plot, BMC can construct an additional exit,” said a member from Breach Candy Residents Forum (BCRF).
MSRDC Denies BMC Request for 67,000 Sq Ft Plot Near NSR
Speaking with the GPlus, managing director of MSRDC Anilkumar Gaikwad said, “The land is in our possession and it falls in residential zone. Any project is not planned there at the moment, but it is given to MSRDC with purpose. We have refused to handover the land to BMC for Coastal Road department exit.”
N Lakhani, a member of BCRF said, “We had a meeting with local MLA M P Lodha, which was unfruitful. He had mentioned NSR exit as top point in his election manifesto. He has been pursuing it, but told us on Thursday that unless MSRDC hands over the plot, nothing can be done. Our only hope is the CMO now, and we are waiting to get his appointment.”
The residents wants to expedite the proposal before Reliance Industries begins its landscaping work. The company emerged as front-runner for landscaping, development and maintenance of 70 hectares of open spaces along the Coastal Road.
Concern Mounts Over Traffic Surge Ahead of Promenade Opening
“Reliance is yet to submit a design plan and start any work. Once they begin the work, it will be more difficult to get additional exit granted. Plus, the promenade will open anytime now and it will increase the traffic flow in Breach Candy. The Napean Sea Road exit is need of the hour,” residents say.
In September 2024, on facing an influx of traffic in their neighbourhood, due to the newly opened Coastal Road interchange at Amarsons, the Breach Candy residents had petitioned to BMC for an additional exit at Nepean Sea Road. It garnered over 2,500 signatures. In January 2025, the BMC wrote to MSRDC, asking if the land near their office in Nepean Sea Road can be accessed for the exit, which was refused.
