The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has extended the deadline for the Expression of Interest (EOI) for the development and maintenance of open spaces along the Mumbai Coastal Road Project to 7 March. The decision follows the civic body receiving only one bid by the initial deadline of 11 February, leading to requests from multiple corporate entities for more time to assess the land.
The 70-hectare land parcel has drawn interest from four to five corporate groups, but they have sought additional time to study the space, evaluate development costs, and consider maintenance requirements. A source familiar with the matter stated that the extension was granted to facilitate detailed planning by potential bidders.
Once a private agency is selected, the bidders will submit proposals and designs for the open spaces. These plans will be reviewed and sent to Municipal Commissioner Bhushan Gagrani for approval. After clearance from the commissioner, BMC will proceed with development work.
The Mumbai Coastal Road Project, spanning 111 hectares reclaimed from the sea, has allocated 70 hectares for green spaces, gardens, cycling tracks, and amphitheaters. A 7.5-kilometer promenade, similar to Marine Drive, is also being developed, covering 11 hectares. Tata Sons Limited is handling the beautification of the 5-hectare median along the arterial road. The remaining 53 hectares are open for private participation in development and maintenance.
The promenade is expected to be completed by March 2025, while the full-scale development of open spaces is estimated to take two years. The plan aims to create a well-maintained urban landscape that enhances the usability of the reclaimed land along the coastal road.
Despite the scale of the project, the initial response to the EOI has been low. The BMC had closed the initial EOI process on 11 February with only one bid. The lack of participation prompted the deadline extension to attract more interested developers.
Residents have expressed concerns about the project’s execution, with many advocating for an urban coastal forest. An online petition has gained traction, urging the inclusion of dense, native trees such as peepal and banyan within the open spaces along the arterial road. The petitioners argue that such an initiative would improve air quality, provide natural shade, and support biodiversity.
The BMC’s approach to involving private entities in the development and maintenance of the green corridor reflects an effort to balance urban infrastructure with environmental considerations. The success of the project will depend on the final design approvals and the engagement of capable agencies in maintaining the envisioned public spaces.
With the new deadline set for 7 March, the civic body expects increased participation from corporate entities willing to contribute to the large-scale green corridor. The selection process will determine how the reclaimed land is utilized for public benefit, aligning with the city’s broader infrastructure plans.
