Mumbai: The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) is exploring the development of a second helipad along the northern stretch of the Mumbai Coastal Road project, with Charkop in Kandivali emerging as a key proposed location. The initiative aims to strengthen emergency response infrastructure and improve rapid air connectivity across Mumbai’s western suburbs.
The proposed helipad is planned near the Charkop tunnel construction zone, which is part of the ongoing Mumbai Coastal Road (North) project. According to officials, the site is expected to be available for redevelopment once tunnelling and associated construction work in the area is completed.
Strategic Location Under Consideration
Officials said the Charkop site is being evaluated due to its proximity to key urban and commercial zones, including the Mindspace business district in Malad. The location is also linked to a planned tunnel connecting Charkop to Malad, making it strategically suitable for emergency aviation infrastructure.
However, the proposal is still in its preliminary stage, and multiple feasibility assessments are underway. These include evaluation of land availability, operational safety parameters, and clearance of obstacles such as high-tension electrical lines in the vicinity.
Focus on Emergency Medical Response
The proposed helipad is primarily intended for emergency and medical evacuation services, including air ambulance operations. Officials believe the facility could significantly reduce response time during critical emergencies by enabling faster patient transfer to major hospitals across Mumbai.
The initiative is part of BMC’s broader strategy to integrate emergency air support infrastructure within major urban development projects, particularly along the Coastal Road corridor.
Part of Coastal Road North Project
The helipad plan is linked to the ongoing Mumbai Coastal Road (North) project, which aims to improve connectivity across the city’s western coastline, stretching from Versova towards Bhayander. The project includes a mix of tunnels, bridges, and elevated roadways designed to ease traffic congestion in the region.
The Charkop site is currently being used for construction activities related to tunnelling work and is expected to be repurposed once this phase is completed.
Similar Development in South Mumbai
A similar helipad facility has also been proposed in South Mumbai near the Worli jetty area, as part of the Coastal Road (South) project. That facility is expected to support emergency services as well as restricted administrative and operational use.
Environmental and Safety Considerations
Given the sensitive nature of Mumbai’s coastal ecosystem, the proposed project will undergo detailed environmental and safety assessments before receiving final approval. The Charkop region, like other parts of the Coastal Road corridor, has already witnessed significant construction activity, including work in ecologically sensitive zones.
Officials emphasized that compliance with safety standards and regulatory approvals will be a key requirement before the project moves forward.
