Mumbai: The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has decided to improve the illumination at Mumbai's Marine Drive to accommodate the heavy daily footfall along the iconic promenade. Over the next month, 110 LED light fixtures will be installed along the stretch from the Air India building to the National Centre for the Performing Arts (NCPA), as per reports.
Marine Drive is one of the city’s most visited waterfronts, attracting not just local residents for morning walks but also thousands of tourists and suburban visitors who come to enjoy the sea breeze. However, civic officials have acknowledged that the existing streetlights along the stretch are inadequate, particularly during major events such as cricket matches at Wankhede Stadium, which bring in large crowds. In such cases, the BMC currently sets up temporary lighting to ensure public safety.
"Since Marine Drive is a popular destination, it experiences heavy crowds daily. While we do install temporary lights during special events like cricket matches, we are now planning to put up permanent LED fixtures under the trees next to the promenade. This will enhance both public convenience and safety," a senior BMC official told Indian Express.
LED Lights To Be Place Below 55 Trees
The project, estimated to cost around Rs 17 lakh, will involve installing LED fixtures under 55 trees along the promenade. These lights, ranging from 30 to 40 watts, will not only enhance visibility but also contribute to the aesthetic appeal of the area.
Marine Drive, constructed in 1915, spans nearly three kilometres with a 20-foot-high wall separating it from the sea. However, the new LED lights will not cover the entire stretch.
New Promenade Shaping Along Coastal Road
Meanwhile, the BMC is developing a similar 7.5-kilometre-long promenade between Breach Candy and Worli as part of the Mumbai Coastal Road Project (MCRP). This new space, spread across 70 hectares of open land, will feature tree-lined pathways, a dedicated cycle track, and ample space for citizens to walk and unwind.
Currently, the civic body is working on the final stages of this project, including concreting and installing paver blocks. Once these finishing touches are completed, the promenade is expected to open to the public by March this year.
