Mumbai Coastal Road Landscaping Project Faces Delays as Preparatory Work Continues
More than eight months after the Mumbai Coastal Road (South) project was opened to motorists on a 24/7 basis, the crucial landscaping of the extensive open spaces along this significant stretch has yet to commence. Civic officials from the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) have confirmed that the much-anticipated beautification work is pending due to necessary preparatory ground-leveling activities.
Soil Filling Requirement Halts Immediate Landscaping
According to BMC authorities, Reliance Industries Ltd (RIL), which has been assigned the landscaping task under a corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiative, has requested that soil filling be completed first. This involves raising the ground level by up to 900 mm across approximately 65 hectares of the total 111 hectares of reclaimed land. The filling will utilize sub-granular base and murum materials, with completion targeted before the monsoon season arrives.
An official stated, "The BMC will not incur any additional expenses for this soil filling work, as it was already included in the existing contract. We had initially asked the contractor to fill the open space to a certain level to facilitate landscaping, but RIL requested a higher specification, which we will now execute through the appointed contractors."
Reasons for Partial Land Leveling and Local Expectations
The requirement to level only 65 hectares stems from the fact that portions at the Worli end have already been elevated to the necessary height. These areas include existing footpaths and needed to be evened out during earlier construction phases. Meanwhile, local residents have been vocal in their demands for the landscaping work to begin promptly, recognizing the project's potential to provide a substantial new open space for the city.
Officials have confirmed that all necessary approvals from the municipal commissioner have been secured, and soil filling operations are scheduled to start imminently. Once this preparatory phase is finished, RIL will proceed with developing and maintaining the open spaces at no cost to the BMC.
Future Plans for Coastal Road Gardens and Recreational Facilities
The landscaping project, envisioned as a transformative CSR effort, includes ambitious plans to create:
- Lush gardens and scenic promenades
- Dedicated walking and cycling tracks
- Various other recreational amenities
In February, a draft concept plan for the Coastal Road Gardens was presented to south Mumbai residents, outlining several key features:
- Amenities and pathways integrated within forested areas
- Miyawaki microforest pockets for enhanced greenery
- Urban parkland and woodland pockets
- A maidan at Breach Candy, Confluence Gardens at Mahalaxmi, and a Sunset View Gallery at Haji Ali
- Three major attractions at Worli: Woodlands Art Gallery, Ferris Wheel, and Festival Plaza
This comprehensive development aims to significantly boost the city's public recreational infrastructure, providing Mumbaikars with enhanced green spaces and leisure options along the coastal corridor.
