Mumbai Coastal Road: BMC Seeks Environmental Approval for Toilets and Police Chowky Near Marine Drive

Mumbai: In a new development under the Mumbai Coastal Road Project (MCRP), the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) is considering the construction of public toilets and a police chowky at the temporary slurry treatment (ST) plant site near Girgaon Chowpatty and Marine Drive. The proposed developments are part of the ongoing improvements in the region as the project nears its completion.

The Mumbai Coastal Road Project, which spans a 10.58-kilometer stretch from the Princess Street Flyover at Marine Drive to the Worli end of the Bandra-Worli Sea Link, includes multiple key components, including multi-level interchanges at Haji Ali, Peddar Road (Amarsons Garden), and the Worli Sea Face.

Currently, the construction company Larsen & Toubro, responsible for the project, has set up a temporary slurry treatment (ST) plant to process the silt accumulated during tunneling between the Princess Street flyover and Priyadarshini Park. As the project nears its final stages, the BMC has proposed the installation of public toilets and a police chowky at this temporary site.

To ensure that these additions comply with environmental regulations, the BMC has appointed an environmental expert consultant to assess the feasibility of the proposal and help secure the necessary No-Objection Certificate (NOC) for Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) clearance. M/s Building Environment India Pvt. Ltd. will be responsible for handling these approvals.

The consultant will also oversee the construction of a new walkway between Lotus Jetty and Vadodara Palace, including the building of a protective wall. As part of their duties, they will evaluate the feasibility of strengthening the existing wall and seek the required CRZ clearances for this work.

As part of the Coastal Road Project’s final phases, the BMC has other plans to enhance the area, including the construction of a 550-meter vehicular underpass (VUP), aimed at easing traffic congestion for motorists traveling from Dadar and Prabhadevi towards the coastal road. This underpass is expected to open next month.

In addition to the underpass, a 7.5 km Marine Drive-like promenade, complete with jogging tracks, seating areas, and green spaces, will be ready by May 2025. The promenade will extend from Priyadarshini Park to Worli.

Another exciting feature of the project is the addition of a new viewing deck along the walkway near the iconic Haji Ali. This stunning new deck will extend approximately three meters from the walkway, offering breathtaking views and enhancing the promenade experience. A consultant has already been assigned to design the deck, ensuring its smooth integration with the existing plans.

As the project progresses, the BMC is committed to ensuring both environmental sustainability and public convenience through these planned developments.