BMC Plans ₹400 Crore Development of Coastal Road Green Spaces
The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has issued an Expression of Interest (EoI) for the development and maintenance of approximately 70 hectares of public open spaces along the Mumbai Coastal Road. This ambitious project, estimated to cost ₹400 crores, is to be funded through Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) contributions from various companies. It will include the development of landscapes, gardens, and a continuous 7.5-km-long promenade that will offer enhanced recreational space along Mumbai’s coastline.
Stretching over 10.58 km from the Princess Street Flyover at Marine Drive to the Bandra-Worli Sea Link, the Coastal Road is expected to be fully operational by 26th January 2025. As part of its development, the BMC unveiled a landscape master plan in March 2024 that includes the creation of three distinct zones along the road: Green Shore, Nature Cove, and Park Line. The plan will feature a variety of green initiatives such as Miyawaki forests, musical fountains, butterfly gardens, yoga tracks, open gyms, senior citizen parks, children’s play areas, cycling and jogging tracks, and even open auditoriums for public events. While the BMC will take responsibility for constructing the promenade itself, it is now looking for private and public limited companies to take on the long-term development and maintenance of the landscaping and garden features along the coastal road. Major companies such as Reliance, Jindal, and Singhania have already expressed interest in participating in the project.
Despite the potential for positive environmental impact, some concerns have been raised about the commercialization of these spaces. Godfrey Pimenta, founder of the WatchDog Foundation, has warned that companies in charge of maintaining the spaces might install large advertisements, which could lead to visual clutter and light pollution along the scenic coastal road. He stressed the importance of adhering to the conditions set by the Environmental Clearance issued in May 2017, which specifically prohibits the commercial exploitation of open spaces.
In a related development, despite strong opposition from local residents, activists, and political parties, the Maharashtra Coastal Zone Management Authority (MCZMA) recently approved the installation of hoardings at three specific locations along the coastal road. These developments signal a significant shift in Mumbai’s urban landscape, with an increasing focus on green spaces that enhance the city’s coastal experience while balancing environmental and commercial considerations.
