Mumbai’s expansive Coastal Road promenade are set to open this week, marking a pivotal moment in the city’s urban infrastructure development. Concurrently, the civic body has secured vital approval from the Maharashtra Coastal Zone Management Authority (MCZMA) to advance construction on a new stretch. This progress promises to enhance public access to the city’s seafront, fostering eco-friendly leisure spaces and contributing to a more sustainable urban environment.
The promenade, spanning 7.5 kilometres in total and 20 metres in width, is envisioned as a prime destination for walkers, runners, and cyclists, offering a dedicated space for active recreation away from vehicular traffic. Two key portions, a 2.75-kilometre stretch from Tata Garden to Haji Ali and another 2.5-kilometre segment from Lovegrove Nullah to B M Thackeray Chowk, have been completed in line with the revised July 15 deadline. While civic officials await the state government’s final nod for full public access, the imminent opening of these sections represents a tangible step towards realising Mumbai’s vision for integrated green urban spaces.
Initial access to the promenade will be available from six entry points, including prominent locations like Tata Garden, Haji Ali Juice Centre, and Mahalaxmi Temple. The remaining five access points are slated to open upon the completion of the final 2.25-kilometre stretch, ensuring comprehensive connectivity along the entire promenade. This phased approach to opening allows for immediate public benefit while ensuring the safe and efficient completion of the entire project, reflecting a pragmatic strategy for large-scale urban development.
Further bolstering the Coastal Road’s amenities, plans for a four-storey underground parking facility at Haji Ali, designed to accommodate approximately 1,200 cars, have been redesigned, with tenders expected shortly. This facility aims to alleviate parking congestion in a high-density area, indirectly contributing to reduced vehicular emissions from idling cars. Conversely, a proposed one-kilometre promenade segment near the parking area has been judiciously scrapped due to safety concerns related to vehicle movements, prioritising public well-being over additional recreational space.
A significant environmental and social contribution comes from Reliance Industries Limited, which has been entrusted with designing 53 hectares of reclaimed open space as part of a ₹400 crore Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative. The landscaping plans for this expansive green area will align with regulatory norms, ensuring the creation of vital urban green lungs. Such initiatives are crucial for enhancing biodiversity, improving air quality, and providing much-needed recreational spaces, thereby fostering more equitable and gender-neutral cities where environmental benefits are accessible to all citizens. The Coastal Road promenade, therefore, is not just a transport corridor but a transformative urban amenity, driving Mumbai towards a more sustainable and liveable future.
Also Read: Tara Chand InfraLogistic secures ₹81.51 Cr SAIL Dankuni warehouse contract enters East India