Mumbai: The BMC received only one bid by the February 12, deadline for the development of approximately 70 hectares of open space along the Mumbai Coastal Road Project (MCRP). To attract more competitive proposals for this vast public space, the civic authorities have extended the deadline until May 7. This ambitious project involves the creation and maintenance of landscapes, gardens, and the upkeep of a 7.5 km continuous promenade along the coastal road.

The plan for the development of open spaces along the MCRP envisions a 7.5 km continuous promenade, segmented into three distinct zones: Green Shore, Nature Cove, and Park Line. This expansive development will offer a variety of amenities, including a Miyawaki forest, musical fountains, butterfly gardens, yoga tracks, open gyms, parks for senior citizens, children's play areas, cycling and jogging tracks, and open auditoriums.

The Marine Drive-like promenade, designed to stretch along the city’s coast, is expected to open to the public by May 2025. In addition, the BMC is seeking private partners to help develop the open space, with an estimated cost of Rs. 400 crores to be covered under Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR).

To encourage participation from interested parties, an EoI was invited from both private and public limited companies on January 10. "We had discussions with the representatives of three major companies - Reliance, Jindal, and Singhania - regarding the project. However, we have already clarified that the company responsible for developing the area and facilities under this process will not receive any financial assistance or funding from the municipal corporation. Currently, only one company has shown interest, which is why we have decided to extend the deadline by three weeks," said a senior civic official.

Meanwhile, the citizen group 'Save Our Coast Mumbai' has launched an online petition on Change.org, addressed to both the Central and State Governments as well as the BMC, calling for a visionary transformation of the 70-hectare land parcel that surrounds this vital city artery.

The petition urges the civic body to develop dense forests with native tree species such as Peepal, Neem, and Banyan, aiming to protect Mumbai's coastline while enhancing its ecological and environmental value. The 10.58-km Coastal Road stretches from the Princess Street Flyover at Marine Drive to the Bandra-Worli Sea Link.