June 13, 2025: Mumbai’s much-anticipated coastal promenade—modelled after Marine Drive—is poised to open in July. Spanning 7.5 kilometres and 20 metres in width, the seafront corridor will connect Priyadarshini Park at Breach Candy to the Worli end of the Bandra-Worli Sea Link. It features jogging paths, two-way cycling lanes, shaded seating, and 20 pedestrian underpasses, aimed at enhancing accessibility for women, senior citizens, and differently-abled individuals.
The promenade forms a key public realm within the broader 14-km Coastal Road Project an eight-lane artery designed to decongest traffic and promote eco-sustainable urban mobility. Currently open from 7 am to midnight, full 24×7 access is expected following final works.
Construction has been challenged by intermittent monsoon rains. A civic official noted that a 26 May downpour delayed key activities like concreting and paver-laying. Despite efforts to meet a June 30 deadline, completion hinges on favourable weather conditions.
Though the cantilevered structure does not allow for tree planting on the promenade itself, a five-hectare landscaped median is underway. This is part of a larger 70-hectare green initiative, including a landmark collaboration with Reliance Industries Limited. Under this CSR-led partnership, RIL will develop 53 hectares of reclaimed land into public gardens, cycle paths, water bodies and amphitheatres—entirely funded to the tune of Rs 400–500 crore.
Initial public reception has been favourable, though some concerns remain around shade and traffic integration. Planners are incorporating flood-resilient design and coastal vegetation to enhance monsoon resilience and urban cooling.
Once inaugurated, the promenade will redefine Mumbai’s coastline—merging recreational, environmental, and inclusive urban values. It marks a pivotal moment in Mumbai’s journey towards sustainable, climate-sensitive infrastructure, with broader implications for future reclaimed land use and city design.
Source: Urban Acres
