August 2, 2025: Mumbai is gearing up for the partial opening of one of its most eagerly awaited infrastructure projects—the 7.5-km-long seaside promenade along the Mumbai Coastal Road (MCR). The inauguration, expected to take place on or before Independence Day, will reportedly be officiated by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis.
Stretching from Priyadarshini Park to the Worli end of the Bandra-Worli Sea Link, the promenade is over twice the length of the city’s iconic Marine Drive (3.5 km). By August 15, approximately 5.25 km—from Priyadarshini Park to Haji Ali, and Baroda Palace to Worli—will be accessible to the public.
According to civic chief Bhushan Gagrani, “The promenade is almost ready, and speed camera testing has been completed.” Though barricades currently restrict entry, completed sections will be opened soon. Initial pedestrian access points include Tata Garden, Haji Ali Juice Centre, Mahalaxmi Temple, and three locations in Worli, all connected via dedicated underpasses.
The Rs 13,984-crore MCR project features a 10.58-km, eight-lane expressway from Marine Lines to Worli. Designed for public use, the promenade ranges from 8 to 20 metres wide and includes 19 underpasses—four of which (at Amarsons Garden, Mahalaxmi Temple, Worli Dairy, and Bindu Madhav Thackeray Chowk) will initially open, equipped with ramps for differently abled visitors.
Public amenities such as benches, cycle tracks, litter bins, drinking water points, and bio-toilets have been installed. BEST has been asked to introduce bus services, with four bus bays and a terminus near Worli Dairy ready. Security will involve Mumbai Police, coastal police, home guards, and other agencies. Strict anti-hawking measures, warning signs near seawalls, and cleanliness drives are in place. Reliance Industries has been assigned long-term maintenance of the promenade’s landscaping.
Source: Hindustan Times
