August 11, 2025: More than a year after the opening of the first phase of the Mumbai Coastal Road, running from Marine Drive to Worli, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has yet to decide how substantial reclaimed land parcels will be utilised, The Indian Express has reported.
The project reclaimed a total of 110 hectares of land, of which 40 hectares have been used for road construction. The remaining 70 hectares were earmarked for public open spaces, including amenities such as parking facilities and pedestrian walkways.
In response to a Right to Information (RTI) request filed by Breach Candy resident Nigum Lakhani, the BMC confirmed that no decision has yet been made regarding the location of public utilities within the 70-hectare area. The civic body also stated that no maps or layouts have been prepared to outline the proposed usage of the land. The response originated from the Coastal Road’s chief engineer’s office.
In May, the BMC awarded Reliance Industries Limited (RIL) the responsibility to develop and maintain the 70 hectares at its own expense. Under the agreement, RIL will lease the land for 30 years, with an option to extend the lease for a further three decades.
A civic official revealed that a 7-kilometre promenade along the coastline will soon be opened to the public, creating new open space by the sea. Development of the remaining plots will take place thereafter. The RTI reply also noted that the BMC has not yet conducted any public consultation process to invite suggestions or objections regarding the land’s intended use.
Construction of the 10-kilometre Mumbai Coastal Road commenced in 2018, with the first sections opening in March 2024. Authorities had previously stated that landscaping and green space development would take an additional year.
Source: Swarajya
