The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has selected Reliance Industries Limited (RIL) to develop and maintain 53 hectares of reclaimed open spaces along the coastal stretch from Priyadarshini Park to Worli.
This decision follows a call for expressions of interest (EOI) issued earlier this year, aiming to rejuvenate the area with gardens, parks, water bodies, and pedestrian-friendly walkways. The BMC’s move to involve a private entity in the development of these spaces comes after its initial plan to undertake the project independently was reconsidered due to estimated additional expenditures of ₹400 crore and the need to allocate resources to other major infrastructure projects. The selected firm will be responsible for the design, development, and long-term maintenance of the open spaces, with the agreement spanning 30 years, extendable by another 30 years.
The open spaces are part of the larger 111-hectare land reclaimed for the Coastal Road project, with 70 hectares designated for public use. The development plan includes the creation of a 7.5-kilometre promenade, gardens, cycle tracks, and recreational areas. However, the proposal has faced criticism from environmentalists and residents who express concerns over the potential commercialization of these spaces and the adequacy of green cover. Activists have advocated for the establishment of an urban forest along the Coastal Road, proposing the planting of native, salt-tolerant trees to enhance biodiversity and mitigate rising temperatures. While the BMC has acknowledged these suggestions, the final design will be subject to approval and may incorporate elements from the proposed plans.
Additionally, a portion of the reclaimed land has been excluded from the development plan due to claims by the Breach Candy Club and Breach Candy Hospital, who assert ownership of the land for potential future use. The BMC has clarified that no construction will be permitted on these excluded areas to maintain the integrity of the coastal zone. As the project progresses, the BMC remains committed to balancing development with environmental sustainability, ensuring that the Coastal Road’s open spaces serve the public’s recreational needs while preserving Mumbai’s coastal heritage.
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