Maharashtra Guardian Minister Ashish Shelar has requested CM Devendra Fadnavis to establish a helipad at Bandra Reclamation to boost emergency response along the Bandra–Worli Sea Link and Mumbai Coastal Road
Ashish Shelar specifically demanded the construction of a helipad in the Bandra Reclamation area close to the sea link. Pic/PTI
Mumbai Suburban Guardian Minister Ashish Shelar has urged Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis to urgently set up a helipad at the Bandra Reclamation area near the Bandra-Worli Sea Link to strengthen emergency response on the coastal corridors.
In a memorandum submitted to Fadnavis, Shelar highlighted the recent serious emergency on the Pune-Mumbai Expressway, where a gas tanker overturned two days ago, stranding commuters for over 36 hours. Citing this as a wake-up call, he stressed the need for enhanced emergency management on critical routes such as the Bandra-Worli Sea Link, Versova-Bandra Sea Link, and the entire coastal road.
"These are high-traffic, elevated, and sea-based infrastructure projects. In case of accidents, fire, or natural disasters, providing immediate and effective response becomes a major challenge," the minister noted.
"Particularly on the coastal road, which runs underground and over the sea, evacuating the injured to hospitals, mobilising security forces quickly, and delivering emergency services can prove extremely difficult,” he added.
Air ambulances can swiftly evacuate the injured during emergencies: Ashish Shelar
Shelar specifically demanded the construction of a helipad in the Bandra Reclamation area close to the sea link. He pointed out that suitable land is already available and requested immediate instructions to the departments concerned for a decision and execution.
"Once the helipad is operational, air ambulances can swiftly evacuate the injured during emergencies on the coastal road and sea links. This will also enable faster access to nearby major hospitals such as Lilavati Hospital and others in the vicinity," he stated.
The minister emphasised that such a facility would significantly improve coordination among disaster management teams, police, fire brigade, NDRF, and other agencies, thereby strengthening the long-term emergency framework for Mumbai — the country's densely populated financial capital.
The proposal comes amid growing concerns over safety and rapid response on Mumbai's vital coastal infrastructure, especially after recent incidents that exposed gaps in emergency preparedness.
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