On Saturday, the BMC started the process of removing the mastic overlay after receiving backlash for a video that went viral due to uneven mastic asphalt patches on the Coastal Road and Haji Ali intersection.
The BMC has started rectification work on the uneven sections of the Coastal Road near Haji Ali to apply a new layer so now the vehicles won’t be able to travel through those areas till Sunday.
After criticism over a clip that was widely circulated that showed mastic asphalt areas on the Coastal Road and Haji Ali intersection that were uneven, the BMC began to remove the mastic layer. This mastic coating was placed for protection against the monsoon.
The BMC had clarified in a press note, saying, “The asphalting work on the northbound carriageway of the Haji Ali interchange was done in the pre-monsoon period, which resulted in some separation at the joints of the work done in the subsequent days. To prevent the joints from widening further and to keep the asphalt durable and additional layer of mastic was applied on patches.”
An area of the northbound route near Haji Ali was closed for travel due to the construction. The BMC said that “a new asphalt layer would be spread within one or two days.”
The civic body clarified that the additional mastic layer seen on the Haji Ali stretch in the viral videos does not signify construction defects. “This work is being carried out at a fast pace. Once the coating is removed, fresh bitumen resurfacing will be completed within the next one to two days,” an official said.
A user called the work “beyond disappointing” and added, “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?”
The statement said that the road, which had been paved with asphalt before July 2024, had some areas where the joints had widened. Before the monsoon, mastic was put in some places to stop more damage and guarantee that the road will be durable.
The BMC said that the Mumbai Coastal Road (South) is completely safe and free of any cracks or potholes. Rapid and reliable work will be done to remove the mastic layer and re-asphalt the road. The road will soon be back to normal, providing smooth and safe travel for commuters, it said.
“The BMC requests all citizens and media outlets not to believe or circulate incomplete or misleading information regarding the Mumbai Coastal Road project,” it had stated.