Mumbai’s efforts to create a continuous, safe, and accessible coastal public realm have moved a step forward, with the civic administration inviting bids to bridge a 325-metre gap in the pedestrian and cycling path along the Coastal Road. The project, estimated at around ₹9.64 crore, aims to connect two existing sections of the walkway between Worli and Mahalaxmi, significantly improving non-motorised access along the city’s western waterfront.
The planned link will integrate the stretch between Lotus Jetty in Worli and the Badoda Palace precinct, enabling uninterrupted movement along a 7.25–7.5 km corridor. At present, the walkway is split into two operational sections—Priyadarshini Park to Lotus Jetty, and Badoda Palace to J. K. Kapur Chowk—limiting the experience of what is designed to become one of Mumbai’s longest pedestrian spaces. According to officials, the contract stipulates a six-month completion period once work commences. The Coastal Road project has reclaimed 111 hectares of land, of which nearly 70 hectares have been reserved for public-facing uses including open spaces, community zones, and pedestrian-friendly corridors. Urban mobility specialists view the new walkway extension as an opportunity to reorient Mumbai’s coastal edge towards people rather than vehicles, supporting healthier, low-carbon transport options.
The proposed link will include an 8–20 metre wide pedestrian zone and a 2-metre dedicated cycling track, further expanding the city’s limited network of safe cycling infrastructure. A civic official noted that the extended route is expected to draw daily walkers, joggers, and recreational cyclists while easing pressure on overcrowded promenades such as Marine Drive. “The intent is to create a continuous, high-quality public space that prioritises safety, inclusiveness, and sustainable mobility,” the official said. Transport and planning experts say such investments play a vital role in building resilience and improving quality of life in dense coastal cities. They point out that encouraging non-motorised movement can reduce carbon emissions, offer equitable access to open spaces, and support gender-neutral mobility by creating well-lit, secure public environments. However, they also highlight the need for frequent maintenance, weather-resistant materials, and safe access points to ensure long-term usability.
The first phase of the pedestrian route, opened across several sections earlier this year, has already seen significant footfall, especially on weekends and holidays. Citizens have welcomed the availability of a wider and more varied public realm, though some have sought better connectivity from inland neighbourhoods to the coastal corridor. Urban planners suggest integrating shaded seating, drinking water points, and universal-access design to enhance comfort for diverse groups, including older adults and people with disabilities. Once the new 325-metre link is completed, the Coastal Road walkway will stretch to nearly double the length of the Marine Drive promenade, marking one of Mumbai’s most substantial additions to pedestrian infrastructure in recent decades. For a city where public space is scarce and mobility remains heavily motorised, creating such interconnected, people-centred corridors signals a shift towards a more sustainable urban future.
BMC To Link 325-Metre Coastal Road Walkway Gap For Seamless Connectivity
