Mumbai's Coastal Road promenade to commence partial operation by August 15th
The much-anticipated Mumbai Coastal Road (MCR) seaside promenade, spanning 7.5 kilometres, is set to partially open by August 15. This stretch, about 5.25 km long, will run from Priyadarshini Park to Haji Ali, and from Baroda Palace to Worli.
Originally planned for a mid-July opening, the promenade's opening has been deferred by a few weeks due to finishing works and other reasons. Despite being completed by late July, access has remained restricted as the grand opening awaited final government approval.
The public will soon be able to enjoy the promenade's numerous amenities. A dedicated cycling track runs along the full length of the promenade, with cycle stands placed at designated points. Accessibility remains a key focus, with smooth ramps for differently abled visitors throughout the promenade. Four pedestrian underpasses, located at Amarsons Garden, Mahalaxmi Temple, Worli Dairy, and Bindu Madhav Thackeray Chowk, will be initially opened, each equipped with ramps for differently abled persons. Litter bins have been placed at every underpass entry and exit to maintain cleanliness.
Reliance Industries Ltd has been given the promenade's long-term landscaping and maintenance responsibilities. Unauthorized hawking will be strictly monitored, and clean-up marshals have been deployed to ensure a clean and pleasant environment.
For the safety of the public, warning signs and safety advisories have been installed to warn against high tides and discourage climbing on seawalls or tetrapods. A comprehensive security arrangement is being implemented, with personnel from Mumbai Police, home guards, coastal police, Indian Navy, Mumbai Maritime Board, BMC's disaster management department, and the chief fire officer being deployed for patrol and surveillance.
The Mumbai Coastal Road project, costing ₹13,984 crores, features an 10.58-kilometre, eight-lane expressway connecting Marine Drive to Worli. Four bus bays with shelters have been constructed, along with a dedicated bus terminus near Worli Dairy. BEST has been approached to introduce bus services along the Mumbai Coastal Road.
Two underground parking facilities along Khan Abdul Gaffar Khan Road in Worli have been completed for private vehicle users. These pay-and-park facilities will be managed by agencies under the supervision of the assistant commissioner of the G/South Ward.
The opening of the promenade is being officiated by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, with the inauguration expected to be held on or before Independence Day. The initial pedestrian access points will include Tata Garden, Haji Ali Juice Centre, Mahalaxmi Temple, and three entry points near Worli.
As the promenade prepares for its grand opening, the superintendent of gardens will continue to maintain the newly planted trees until the operations begin. The Mumbai Coastal Road promenade promises to be a new landmark in Mumbai, offering a beautiful and accessible space for the city's residents and visitors to enjoy.
- The Mumbai Coastal Road project, which includes an expansive promenade and an eight-lane expressway, has been undertaken by the Indian industry,with Reliance Industries Ltd taking charge of landscaping and maintenance.
- Financed at a cost of ₹13,984 crores, the project boasts numerous amenities such as a dedicated cycling track, accessibility ramps, pedestrian underpasses, and bus bays, aiming to improve Mumbai's transportation infrastructure and recreational industry.
- With a focus on public safety and cleanliness, the local government has installed warning signs, deployed clean-up marshals, set up pay-and-park facilities, and has started cooperation with the BEST for bus services, ensuring a pleasant experience for India's cricket-loving masses who visit this new coastal landmark.
