Mumbai: In view of the controversy surrounding patches on the Mumbai Coastal Road which opened to traffic less than a year ago, the BMC on Friday clarified that the visuals and photographs being circulated do not indicate any construction defects. The photos showed an additional layer of mastic on the bridge at Haji Ali under the coastal road (south) project.
“The project is completely safe, with no cracks or potholes on the road. The patches seen in the media footage are actually mastic layers applied as a preventive measure against potholes. The BMC administration has assured that the road’s appearance will be restored to its original state within the next 15 to 20 days,” read a statement from the civic body.
The BMC further stated the northbound route of the coastal road—Chowpatty to Worli—opened for traffic in July 2024, after being asphalted.
“Some joints in the asphalt widened, and to prevent further widening and to ensure the asphalt remains strong and durable, additional mastic layers have been applied at various locations. This measure is intended to prevent damage to the asphalt and the formation of potholes due to continuous and heavy rains during the monsoon. A new layer of asphalt will be applied according to standards, and the road’s appearance will be restored within the next 15 to 20 days,” said the BMC.
The Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) on Thursday took cognisance of a video that went viral on X, showing the patchwork on the coastal road’s northbound stretch near Haji Ali. This led to severe criticism from several users.
The post garnered more than 3,200 reposts and nearly 1.4 million views.
Several users, though, questioned whether in a rush to inaugurate the road before the assembly elections, this is what the motorists got in return.
TOI was the first to report on the PMO having taken cognisance of the viral video.