Mumbai Unveils 7.5 km Coastal Road Promenade from Breach Candy to Worli, Opening July 15
Mumbai is set to embrace a significant enhancement to its urban landscape with the imminent opening of a 7.5-kilometre promenade along the Coastal Road, commencing on 15th July 2025. This long-anticipated public amenity, stretching from Breach Candy to Worli, represents a pivotal stride towards integrating eco-friendly design and public accessibility into the city’s infrastructure. It underscores the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation’s (BMC) commitment to developing sustainable, pedestrian-friendly spaces that cater to the evolving recreational needs of the metropolis, even as the larger Coastal Road project continues its progress.
The promenade’s unveiling signifies a new era for Mumbai’s coastline, transforming previously inaccessible reclaimed land into vibrant public utility spaces. This initiative is an integral component of the broader Coastal Road’s vision, aiming not only to enhance traffic efficiency but also to create extensive recreational zones. The design includes dedicated jogging paths, comfortable seating areas, a cycling lane for promoting sustainable mobility, and thoughtfully integrated pockets of green cover. This thoughtful blend of utility and leisure infrastructure is poised to significantly improve the quality of life for Mumbaikars, providing a much-needed respite from the urban bustle.
A key aspect of this public space development is the strategic provision of sanitation facilities. Recognizing the immediate need for public convenience along the newly accessible stretch, the BMC will install four bio-toilets. These mobile, environmentally conscious units have been meticulously planned for locations near Amarsons Garden in Breach Candy, Mahalaxmi, and two spots along the Worli stretch. These temporary facilities, expected to operate for six months to a year, address the current absence of a fixed sewage network in the area. Their design is intended to harmonise with the surrounding aesthetics, ensuring they complement rather than detract from the promenade’s visual appeal. This interim solution highlights the BMC’s pragmatic approach to public amenities, prioritising immediate user needs while long-term infrastructure is being developed.
The 7.5-kilometre pedestrian route, running parallel to the southbound carriageway of the Coastal Road, is consciously designed to evoke the iconic charm of Marine Drive. This deliberate mirroring aims to extend Mumbai’s revered seafront culture, offering residents and visitors unparalleled access to the Arabian Sea. Critically, this promenade is situated on reclaimed land, forming part of the 70 hectares specifically designated for public recreational use out of a total of 111 hectares reclaimed during the entire Coastal Road project. This substantial allocation of reclaimed land for public enjoyment demonstrates a forward-thinking urban planning philosophy, prioritising community well-being alongside vehicular infrastructure.
Further enriching the ecological and recreational value of the reclaimed land, plans are in motion for the development of forests and thematic parks on the landward side of the promenade. While the promenade itself offers direct public access to the marine-facing edge, the interior reclaimed zones are envisioned as vibrant green spaces, fostering biodiversity and providing much-needed urban lungs. This multi-layered approach to land use exemplifies a commitment to creating a balanced urban ecosystem, where infrastructural development coexists with green and public amenities. Such initiatives are crucial for mitigating the environmental impact of large-scale projects and fostering a resilient urban environment.
The opening of the Coastal Road promenade underscores a broader shift in Mumbai’s urban development paradigm, moving towards more inclusive and environmentally conscious infrastructure. By providing dedicated spaces for walking, jogging, and cycling, the project actively promotes healthier lifestyles and encourages non-motorised transport, contributing to reduced carbon emissions and improved air quality. The emphasis on green cover and public access aligns with global trends in sustainable urban planning, where cities are increasingly prioritising human-centric design and ecological integrity.
The integration of such extensive public spaces within a major infrastructure project sets a precedent for future urban developments in Mumbai. It signals a move towards creating a more equitable city, where waterfront access and green amenities are not just luxuries but fundamental components of urban design, accessible to all. As Mumbai continues its rapid urbanisation, projects like the Coastal Road promenade will play a vital role in balancing growth with liveability, ensuring that the city remains a vibrant, healthy, and sustainable home for its diverse population. This thoughtful blend of connectivity and community spaces embodies a vision for Mumbai that is both economically dynamic and ecologically conscious.
