Mumbai Promenade Opening Delayed Amid Final Touches And Phased Rollout Plans
The much-awaited opening of the 7.5-km seaside promenade along Mumbai’s coastal road has been pushed back by a week, with officials now targeting a phased public launch after July 21. Stretching from Priyadarshini Park to Worli, this pedestrian space is part of a larger 111-hectare reclaimed zone, where 70 hectares are reserved for green public amenities. As part of the first phase, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) plans to open a 5.5-km stretch along with six new pedestrian underpasses to enable safe crossings.
The seafront walkway was initially scheduled to open on July 15 but has been postponed due to final finishing work and ongoing construction near key areas like Haji Ali. The first phase will connect Priyadarshini Park to Haji Ali Juice Centre and another segment between Poonam Chambers and the iconic bowstring arch bridge near Worli. However, a portion near the upcoming underground car park will remain inaccessible for now to avoid disrupting visitors during construction activity. The BMC has undertaken extensive greening efforts along the new promenade, planting around 100 trees of diverse species such as Washingtonia Robusta and Barringtonia. These trees are expected to provide shade and enhance biodiversity along the stretch, reinforcing the city’s commitment to developing eco-friendly public infrastructure.
The project includes features such as cycling lanes, jogging tracks, and shaded seating areas designed to encourage low-carbon urban mobility and healthy lifestyles among residents and visitors alike. Accessibility and safety have also been central to the design. Six pedestrian subways have been constructed across major entry points, including near Amarsons Garden, Mahalaxmi, and several points in Worli. The BMC is also deploying four bio-toilets at strategic locations to accommodate the anticipated crowds. Officials suggest that the full promenade will be operational in phases depending on public response and completion of minor civic works, aimed at minimising inconvenience while enhancing overall user experience.
By integrating open public spaces with sustainable mobility and inclusive urban design, Mumbai’s new promenade signals a shift towards more people-centric infrastructure. As the city grapples with challenges of space and air pollution, such walkable, green corridors offer a blueprint for eco-sensitive coastal development that can serve both recreational and environmental needs.
