Mumbai: The opening of the much-awaited promoneade along the Mumbai Coastal Road has been postponed once again. According to civic sources, the event, which was originally scheduled for Wednesday, was cancelled due to the unavailability of the Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis.
Promenade Likely to Open on August 15
The ceremony is now tentatively expected to take place on Independence Day, August 15. In the meantime, approximately 5.25 kilometres of the promenade from Priyadarshini Park to Haji Ali and from Baroda Palace to Worli will be opened to the public.
Promenade Twice as Long as Marine Drive
The 7.5 km long and 8 to 20 metre width promenade, which stretches 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.
Work on two major sections — a 2.75-kilometre stretch from Tata Garden to Haji Ali, and a 2.5-kilometre stretch between Lovegrove Nullah (Worli Gutter) and B.M. Thackeray Chowk was completed last month. The promenade was originally scheduled to open by July 15.
After waiting for approval from the state government, the BMC had scheduled the inauguration of the promenade for Wednesday, August 6. A video detailing the construction of the Coastal Road and promenade, intended to be showcased during the event, had also been prepared. However, to the surprise of civic officials, the inauguration was suddenly cancelled on Tuesday.
“The new date has not been confirmed yet, but we believe the state government may be planning to inaugurate it on Independence Day as a symbolic gift to the city — the longest promenade in Mumbai,” said a senior official.
19 Access Points, Parking & Underpasses Planned
The promenade will feature 19 access points. Currently, pedestrian access is planned at locations such as Tata Garden, Haji Ali Juice Centre, Mahalaxmi Temple, and three entry points near Worli.
The remaining access points will be opened once the final 2.25-km stretch of the promenade is completed. The access points will be supported by dedicated pedestrian underpasses.
The BMC is developing underground parking at key locations: Bhulabhai Desai Marg, Haji Ali (1,200 vehicles), Worli Dairy (200 vehicles), and Worli Seaface (200 vehicles).
The Worli facilities are complete and will open with the promenade, while Haji Ali is still under construction. Part of the Mumbai Coastal Road Project, the 10.58-km, 8-lane expressway connects Worli to Marine Drive at a cost of Rs. 13,984 crore. The promenade will offer spaces for walking, jogging, and cycling.
