Mumbai's new 5.25 km-long Coastal Road Promenade to open on Aug 15

Mumbai is set to welcome a striking new addition to its waterfront skyline this Independence Day! A sweeping new 7.47-kilometre seafront promenade along the Coastal Road, is set to open to the public on August 15 at 4:30 PM. Twice the length of Marine Drive's curve, this expansive walkway comes with uninterrupted views, landscaped beauty, and an inclusive design.

The unveiling will happen in two stages. For the first phase, Mumbaikars can stroll a 5.25-km stretch, spanning Priyadarshini Park to Haji Ali and from Baroda Palace to Worli. The state's Chief Minister will lead a virtual inauguration on August 14, streamed live from the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority’s new Bandra headquarters. However, public access begins on August 15 at 4:30 PM.

Simultaneously, from August 15 midnight, the adjoining Coastal Road, a 10.58-km, 8-lane link between Worli and Marine Drive, will also welcome vehicles 24 hours a day. Currently, the stretch is operational from 7 AM to 12 AM.

This new promenade in Mumbai will feature four pedestrian underpasses, equipped with ramps and stairs, as per reports. It will connect visitors directly to the seafront, catering equally to cyclists, walkers, and differently-abled persons. A total of 19 entry points are planned with pedestrian entry presently unrestricted at key locations such as: Bhulabhai Desai Road’s Akruti Parking, Haji Ali Junction’s Vatsalabai Desai Chowk, Khan Abdul Gaffar Khan Road near Worli Milk School, and Bindumadhav Thackeray Chowk.

Coastal trees and flowering plants also take centre stage here, to soften the concrete edge, while visitors can utilise a dedicated cycling track and open seating areas. Civic officials say the final 2.5-km stretch between Haji Ali and Worli will be ready within 18 months, unlocking the remaining access points.

Complementing the promenade, the BMC is rolling out underground parking at Bhulabhai Desai Marg and Haji Ali (capacity: 1,200 vehicles), Worli Dairy (200 vehicles), and Worli Seaface (200 vehicles). Both Worli sites are already operational, easing congestion for sightseers.

Once complete, the new Coastal Road promenade is expected to draw thousands to an open space where morning joggers, evening strollers, and sunset-watchers can all claim their corners. In a city where every inch of public space is treasured, this new ribbon of walkway could well become a Mumbai tourist hotspot soon!