Mumbai is preparing to open the much-awaited 7.5-km-long promenade section of the Mumbai Coastal Road project (MCR) before August 15. Officials have confirmed that this stretch, spanning from Priyadarshini Park to the southern end of the Bandra-Worli Sea Link, will be opened to the public as part of a broader vision to enhance urban connectivity and create inclusive public spaces. The promenade is expected to more than double the length of the Marine Drive seafront and add a new dimension to coastal access.
The Rs 13,984 crore MCR project, connecting Marine Lines and Worli via a 10.58-kilometre, eight-lane expressway, is not just a transport corridor but also an ambitious civic amenity with a vision for pedestrian access and eco-friendly urban mobility. With scenic walking and cycling tracks, 19 pedestrian underpasses (four of which will open in the initial phase), and accessible design for differently-abled persons, the infrastructure is geared to redefine Mumbai’s waterfront lifestyle. Authorities have completed speed camera testing, and finishing works are underway, with barricades currently restricting public access to the new promenade. A civic official confirmed that the sections already complete will be accessible by or before August 15, symbolising a dual celebration of national pride and civic progress.
The promenade integrates user-centric facilities such as seating areas, litter bins, bio-toilets, drinking water stations, and tree-lined sections, reflecting a shift in planning towards climate-sensitive, inclusive city design. In response to projected footfall, the Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST) undertaking is preparing new bus routes along the coastal corridor, supplemented by designated bus bays and a terminus near Worli Dairy. This ensures multi-modal access and sustainable last-mile connectivity. As per data shared by civic officials, four pedestrian underpasses will be functional immediately, located near Amarsons Garden, Mahalaxmi Temple, Worli Dairy, and Bindu Madhav Thackeray Chowk. Importantly, each underpass will include access ramps, reaffirming the administration’s commitment to universal design principles.
While the coastal road continues to attract debate over environmental and reclamation concerns, the city’s administration has reiterated its focus on blending infrastructure expansion with green, public-first development. Officials claim that the creation of the promenade on reclaimed land not only beautifies the coastline but also provides valuable recreational space in a city where open land is scarce. With civic authorities already planning dedicated cycle stands and working on detailed phase-wise commissioning, the road to completion appears aligned with Mumbai’s broader transition into a cleaner, more inclusive metropolis. The strategic placement of bus infrastructure, sustainable amenities, and barrier-free accessibility adds weight to the project’s promise.
As the countdown to the opening begins, all eyes are on how this major infrastructure project will reshape commuting and lifestyle in Mumbai. While operational challenges and civic discipline remain key to its long-term success, the MCR promenade offers a compelling glimpse into Mumbai’s urban future.
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