By December 15, a 1km pilot segment of the proposed 8.5km-long sea-facing promenade along Mumbai’s coastal road, stretching from Priyadarshani Park in Nepeansea Road to Worli, is expected to be completed. The coastal road department of the BMC has initiated construction on this pilot section towards the Worli end and plans to replicate the design along the entire 8.5km stretch.
Once finished, the 20m-wide promenade will become the city’s longest, surpassing the 3.6km stretch at Marine Drive. The comprehensive plan includes provisions for a bicycle track, an open-air theatre, and an underground car park, although the car park’s completion may coincide with the finalization of the coastal road project.
An official stated, “The 1km pilot stretch should be ready by December 15. After completion, we will extend the same design across the entire stretch, pending approvals from senior authorities.” Delays were encountered in the pilot stretch due to issues with the granite stone intended for construction, prompting the procurement of a new sample.
Coastal road construction has been ongoing since December 2018 along Mumbai’s western coastline. Originally slated for completion by November 2023, the timeline has been extended to 2024. Currently, 82% of the coastal road project is finished, with one of the twin tunnels already completed. While the tunnel road is laid, ongoing work involves lighting and utility box installations. The BMC recently announced the potential opening of one carriageway to motorists by February 2024, with the entire road expected to be ready by May 2024. The delay is attributed to the Worli fishermen’s request to extend the navigation span between two piers from the proposed 56m to 120m.