Mumbai: Mumbai is all set to unveil one of its most iconic public spaces, the long-awaited seafront promenade along the Coastal Road which will officially open to the public on August 15 at 4:30 PM. Stretching 7.47 km in length and 20 metres in width, this grand promenade promises to become a new recreational landmark for the city.
First Phase Covers Priyadarshini Park to Haji Ali, Baroda Palace to Worli
In the first phase, two key sections, a 5.25 km stretch from Priyadarshini Park to Haji Ali, and from Baroda Palace to Worli will be thrown open for citizens. The promenade will be virtually inaugurated on August 14 by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. The Coastal Road will be open for 24x7 vehicular traffic starting from midnight this Friday.
The new promenade, stretching from Priyadarshini Park to the Worli end of the Bandra-Worli Sea Link (BWSL), is more than twice the length of the iconic 3.5-kilometre Marine Drive promenade. Two major sections, a 2.75 km stretch from Tata Garden to Haji Ali and a 2.5 km stretch between Lovegrove Nullah (Worli Gutter) and B.M. Thackeray Chowk was completed last month.
Mumbai’s 7.47-km Coastal Road promenade to open August 15, with CM Devendra Fadnavis inaugurating virtually; first phase covers Priyadarshini Park to Worli | File Photo
However, after a month-long wait, the promenade will finally open to the public along with four pedestrian underpasses (PuPs) that will provide direct access to the seafront. The inaugural event for the promenade and four PuPs will be streamed live from the new administrative headquarters of the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) in Bandra (East).
19 Access Points and Four Pedestrian Underpasses
The promenade will feature 19 access points, with pedestrian entry currently available at key locations such as the Akruti Parking Building on Bhulabhai Desai Road, Vatsalabai Desai Chowk (Haji Ali Junction), Khan Abdul Gaffar Khan Road near Worli Milk School, and Bindumadhav Thackeray Chowk in Worli.
Mumbai’s 7.47-km Coastal Road promenade to open August 15, with CM Devendra Fadnavis inaugurating virtually; first phase covers Priyadarshini Park to Worli | File Photo
Promenade Packed with Public Amenities
“All underpasses feature stairs and ramps to ensure easy access for cyclists and people with disabilities. The promenade will also include fitness facilities such as a dedicated cycle track, ample seating, and lush greenery with flowering plants and coastal trees, creating a vibrant and accessible public space,” said a senior civic official.
He further added that the remaining 2.5 km stretch between Haji Ali and Worli is expected to be completed within the next 18 months, and the remaining access points will open once the final section of the promenade is ready.
Coastal Road Goes 24x7 from August 15
The Mumbai Coastal Road project features a 10.58-km, 8-lane expressway connecting Worli to Marine Drive, developed at a total cost of Rs 13,984 crore. The road has been gradually opened in phases over the past year and is currently operational from 7:00 AM to midnight. Beginning midnight on Friday, August 15, it will be open to traffic 24 hours a day.
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The BMC is also developing underground parking facilities at key locations Bhulabhai Desai Marg, Haji Ali (1,200 vehicles), Worli Dairy (200 vehicles), and Worli Seaface (200 vehicles). Of these, the two facilities at Worli have already been completed.
