BMC Announces July 15 Launch of Mumbai's Longest Seaside Promenade Phase 1

Municipal authorities have announced that the inaugural phase of Mumbai's much-anticipated seaside promenade along the Coastal Road will welcome visitors from July 15, offering residents in the space-starved metropolis a new recreational facility equipped with dedicated cycling and walking tracks.

Phased Opening Strategy

Officials from the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) revealed that the first phase would be inaugurated exactly one year after the coastal road's traffic lanes were opened to the public in the previous year.

A senior BMC engineer overseeing the project confirmed that the initial phase encompasses a 3.05-kilometer stretch extending from Priyadarshini Park to Haji Ali Junction, alongside a 1.7-kilometer section connecting Baroda Place to Worli Bindumadhav Thackeray Chowk.

The official expressed satisfaction about the promenade's scheduled opening, stating that while the total planned length measures 7.5 kilometers, the remaining sections are expected to become accessible by September.

Design Features and Amenities

The promenade has been designed with a width of approximately 15 meters and will feature separate tracks for cycling and pedestrian activities. The entire stretch will be enhanced with extensive tree plantations, making it one of India's longest seaside promenades upon completion.

Access Points and Infrastructure

Visitors will be able to enter and exit the promenade through designated points at Bhulabhai Desai Road near Amarson Garden and at the BMC's pay-and-park facility located at Bhulabhai Desai Road and Bindu Madhav Thackeray Junction.

BMC officials have planned 11 underpasses to facilitate public access to the promenade, though only four will be operational during the first phase. These will be strategically located at Amarsons Garden, Mahalaxmi Temple, Bindu Madhav Chowk, and Worli Dairy, with bio-toilets planned at these junctions.

Parking Facilities

The civic body has also arranged for parking facilities, with two locations opening in the Worli stretch. Each parking area will accommodate 225 vehicles, addressing the expected visitor influx.

Project Investment and Challenges

The entire coastal road project represents a significant investment of Rs 13,000 crore, with approximately Rs 35 crore specifically allocated for the promenade development.

Weather-Related Concerns

However, heavy rainfall periods continue to present operational challenges. A portion of the promenade's pavement and parapet wall near the tunnels close to Priyadarshani Garden sustained damage the previous Thursday when it was struck by powerful waves.

The wave intensity proved so severe that tiles and materials from the promenade became dislodged and fell onto the coastal road's northbound carriageway.

A BMC official acknowledged the incident, explaining that the unusually high tides measuring 4.75 meters required special precautionary measures, though such extreme conditions are exceptional rather than routine.

This development is part of Mumbai's broader infrastructure enhancement initiative, which includes seven major infrastructure upgrades expected to transform travel and real estate prospects in the region.