Mumbai, as the much-anticipated Coastal Road promenade, connecting Breach Candy to Worli, is slated for public access by mid-June.
This 20-metre-wide, sea-facing walkway is poised to significantly enhance public access and walkability along the city’s western coastline, marking a substantial leap towards integrating green and accessible spaces within Mumbai’s bustling urban fabric. The initiative aligns seamlessly with the city’s broader vision of creating zero-net-carbon, eco-friendly, and equitable urban environments. Designed with an unwavering focus on pedestrian connectivity and universal accessibility, the promenade incorporates a series of innovative features. Twenty underpasses, strategically spaced every 400 metres, will facilitate seamless and safe transitions between the seafront and the inland side of the road, ensuring that the promenade is easily reachable for all residents. Once inaugurated, this stretch is expected to emerge as a major urban attraction, offering breathtaking scenic views of the Arabian Sea, providing much-needed recreational space, and significantly improving connectivity between key areas of South Mumbai. This thoughtful design caters to a diverse range of users, from daily commuters seeking a refreshing walk to families looking for leisure.
A substantial portion of the promenade, approximately 70 per cent, will be dedicated to lush green landscaping. This commitment to verdant spaces is a crucial step towards creating a truly eco-friendly environment along the coast, contributing to the city’s green cover and potentially mitigating the urban heat island effect. The remaining 30 per cent of the space will be meticulously paved to accommodate walking paths, seating areas, and dedicated cycling lanes, alongside other essential public amenities. This strategic balance between natural elements and functional infrastructure reflects the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation’s (BMC) ambition to establish a new benchmark for waterfront development in India, positioning this stretch as a model for sustainable urban planning. The project’s scope extends beyond the immediate promenade, encompassing a broader vision for 70 hectares of open space along the coastal road. In a forward-thinking move to ensure long-term sustainability and maintenance, the BMC extended invitations to private companies for Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) participation in developing this expansive green corridor. Several prominent firms, including Reliance Industries, Jindal, Vedanta, Raymond, and Torres, expressed considerable interest in this landmark project. Following a rigorous evaluation process that scrutinised financial capacity, capital expenditure capabilities, and prior experience in large-scale projects, Reliance Industries was ultimately selected, demonstrating their commitment to this civic endeavour without seeking any financial returns.
This public-private collaboration underscores a shift towards shared responsibility in urban development, where corporate entities play a vital role in enhancing public infrastructure and promoting environmental well-being. The development is not merely an engineering marvel but a social one, aiming to integrate nature, recreation, and accessibility seamlessly. The enhanced public spaces are expected to foster a healthier and more active lifestyle among Mumbaikars, providing equitable access to green leisure zones, a critical component of any sustainable and liveable city. The new promenade is anticipated to become a celebrated public asset, offering a tranquil escape from the city’s pace and a testament to Mumbai’s evolving commitment to a green, inclusive, and future-ready urban landscape.
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