The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has announced plans to construct protective roofs over pedestrian underpasses along Mumbai’s Coastal Road promenade, a move aimed at enhancing commuter safety and urban infrastructure resilience. The project, estimated at ₹19 crore, comes as authorities finalise plans to complete the promenade’s pedestrian underpasses (PuPs) and improve accessibility for both daily users and tourists.
The Coastal Road (South) Project, a 10.58-kilometre, eight-lane expressway linking Worli to Marine Drive, has already emerged as a significant addition to the city’s transport and recreational landscape. Developed at a total cost of ₹13,984 crore, the project includes a 7.47-kilometre seafront promenade—more than twice the length of the iconic Marine Drive stretch—that integrates pedestrian pathways with leisure spaces. Urban planners note that the promenade has become a key civic asset, supporting sustainable mobility, tourism, and public engagement with the waterfront. Currently, two major sections of the promenade are accessible to the public: a 2.75-kilometre stretch from Tata Garden to Haji Ali, and a 2.5-kilometre segment extending from Lovegrove Nullah (Worli Gutter) to B. M. Thackeray Chowk. These areas feature pedestrian underpasses designed to provide safe access across busy roads, though exposure to Mumbai’s coastal weather has prompted calls for enhanced protection and shelter.
In total, there are 19 entry points along the promenade, including prominent locations such as the Akruti Parking Building on Bhulabhai Desai Road, Vatsalabai Desai Chowk (Haji Ali Junction), Khan Abdul Gaffar Khan Road near Worli Milk School, and Bindumadhav Thackeray Chowk in Worli. Officials indicate that the roofing initiative will cover all key PuP entries and exits, providing shelter for pedestrians while reinforcing the promenade’s urban design standards. During a site review in December 2023, civic authorities recommended several upgrades, including uniform footpaths, dedicated cycle tracks, and landscaping enhancements. The roofing proposal forms part of a broader beautification plan aimed at harmonising pedestrian safety, aesthetic appeal, and environmental considerations along the waterfront. Urban designers highlight that such interventions not only protect users from monsoon and summer exposure but also encourage sustainable, non-motorised transit options in a high-density urban corridor.
The roofing project is currently under review by the BMC standing committee, with approval expected in the near term. Once implemented, the initiative is anticipated to improve the accessibility, usability, and overall experience of the Coastal Road promenade, reinforcing its role as a resilient, people-focused urban infrastructure asset.
Mumbai Promenade Pedestrian Underpasses To Get Roofing
