As Mumbai awaits the official opening of its expansive Coastal Road promenade, residents along the southern stretch of the city are bracing for a surge in traffic and rising concerns over access and parking constraints. Though the scenic public space is structurally complete, its inauguration remains pending, sparking both anticipation and apprehension among citizens living in proximity.
At a recent meeting with the traffic department’s senior official, representatives from neighbourhood forums across Breach Candy, Nepean Sea Road, and Worli raised collective concerns regarding the anticipated influx of visitors once the promenade opens. While officials assured that parking will not be allowed along the promenade’s edge—a policy supported by new signage and enforcement plans—local forums remain unconvinced about the impact this move will have on internal lanes and residential streets. Residents from Breach Candy have expressed apprehension about spillover traffic from visitors eager to experience the promenade, especially during weekends and public holidays. A lack of designated parking zones is likely to exacerbate the already saturated conditions in areas frequented by hospital-goers, doctors, and shoppers. While forum members urged traffic authorities and local elected representatives to allow temporary parking on vacated construction sites, the request was declined. Yet, residents say they will continue to pursue viable solutions.
Over in Worli, residents are anticipating a different kind of disruption. With several underpasses providing direct access to the promenade, locals expect their neighbourhood to become a frequent stop on sightseeing circuits. The concern is not just about vehicular congestion but also about pedestrian safety, especially given past incidents involving high-speed vehicles along the newly developed corridor. Officials have acknowledged the concern and are exploring regulatory mechanisms, including speed restrictions and enhanced surveillance. Interestingly, not all neighbourhoods are concerned about being overrun. Citizens’ groups from Nepean Sea Road have pointed out that they are yet to be granted access to the promenade at all. Their demand to open a pathway through a section of land held by a state-owned infrastructure body remains stalled. This same parcel of land had previously been identified by Breach Candy residents as a possible solution to ease traffic movement. Despite discussions, the infrastructure agency has declined to allocate the land, leaving access and connectivity issues unresolved.
At the heart of the issue lies a larger question of urban equity and planning. While the Coastal Road promenade promises a green, open space for the public, its integration into the daily fabric of existing neighbourhoods appears uneven. Without clear access for some and with no clear traffic mitigation for others, the project risks creating divides rather than connections. As Mumbai moves forward with high-profile infrastructure aimed at enhancing coastal mobility and public space, the lived realities of neighbouring communities must not be ignored. Only through inclusive planning and consistent civic dialogue can the promise of equitable urban development be fulfilled.
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