Mumbai Coastal Road Safe, No Cracks or Potholes: BMC Clarifies on Viral Video Showing Patches Near Haji Ali

Mumbai– The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has reassured citizens that the Dharmaveer, Swarajyarakshak Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj Mumbai Coastal Road (South) Project is structurally sound, with no cracks or potholes. This statement comes after a viral video sparked concerns about the road's quality.

A dashboard video recorded from a moving car, showing uneven patchwork on the Coastal Road, was shared by a user named Eternal Drift on social media platform X. The footage quickly gained traction, leading to widespread criticism and speculation over potential construction flaws.

This is beyond disappointing. Mumbai’s ₹14000 crore Coastal Road already looks like patchwork. I feel betrayed—this was supposed to be world-class infrastructure. L&T and BMC must be held accountable. Is this what we paid for? #Mumbai#CoastalRoad#InfrastructureFailpic.twitter.com/OjxZyoDrJI

— Eternal Drift (@drifteternal_) February 19, 2025

However, the BMC clarified that these visible patches are not defects but part of a preventive measure—a mastic layer applied to protect the asphalt from monsoon damage. The civic body assured that the road’s surface would be fully restored within 15 to 20 days.

According to officials, the northbound section (Chowpatty to Worli), which opened in July 2024, received this treatment to reinforce expansion joints and extend road durability. In contrast, the southbound section (Worli to Chowpatty), which opened earlier in March 2024, had sufficient time to strengthen before the monsoon and did not require additional treatment.

The BMC urged citizens and media outlets to avoid misinformation and rumors regarding the project’s safety. The Mumbai Coastal Road is a landmark infrastructure development, and officials reiterated that its engineering and construction meet the highest safety standards.