Coastal road project: Prakash Javadekar assures CM Fadnavis of speedy approval

The Central government on Sunday assured the state a speedy approval of the coastal road project which is set to decongest the traffic in the city, in particularly, the western suburbs. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis met with environment and forest minister Prakash Javedekar on Sunday in Delhi. The Union minister assured a speedy approval, saying: "A broader structure is ready, which details what the Centre and state have to do."

In the meeting, a detailed presentation was demonstrated on the coastal road issue by state officials. About the meeting, Javadekar said: "People who reside in the western side of the city will benefit from it. Since traffic is a big challenge, we discussed all aspects. We are positive about the project and intend to take an early decision."

After the meeting, Fadnavis said: "We requested the central government to give environmental sanctions. There are many issues that need to be addressed, in order to make it sustainable. The state government is working on it"
Maharashtra principal secretary (environment) Ajay Mehata, BMC commissioner Sitaram Kunte and MP Poonam Mahajan were present at the meeting.

Construction of the nearly 35-km long coastal road from Mumbai's Nariman Point to Kandivli in the western suburbs was stuck. The project, whose estimated cost is Rs10,000 crore, was stalled due to some provisions of the environmental laws which prohibit reclaiming the land from the sea for road projects.

However, in a bid to make Mumbai a city of global standards, replete with good infrastructure, the Fadnavis-led BJP government is now seeking the Union's clearance for the road proposal.