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Mumbai: After evaluating Expression of Interest (EOI) from five firms, the coastal road department has recommended Reliance Industries to develop and maintain 70 hectares of open spaces along the Mumbai Coastal Road Project (South) (MCRP). The proposal awaits administrative approval, post which the firm will submit detailed designs. The project includes landscaping, gardens, parks, cycling and pedestrian tracks, and plazas.

The 10.58-km Coastal Road, connecting Marine Drive’s Princess Street Flyover to the Bandra-Worli Sea Link (BWSL), now has both carriageways open for traffic. A 7.5-kilometre-long promenade, inspired by Marine Drive spanning 11 hectares is under construction, while Tata Sons is beautifying the 5-hectare median. The BMC had also invited private partners to develop 70 hectares of open space along the road, with an estimated Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) investment of minimum Rs. 400 crore.

Five firms—Jindal, Reliance Industries, Raymond, Vedanta, and Torres—expressed interest in developing the open space under CSR. "Reliance Industries met all our criteria and has agreed to take up the project without seeking any returns. Once administrative approval is granted, we will ask the firm to submit its design and development plan. Further action will be based on their proposal," said a senior civic official. The decision on proposal is yet to be made since municipal commissioner Bhushan Gagrani is currently on leave till next week, as per sources.

As per the BMC’s plan, the expansive development will feature a range 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-air auditoriums.

Meanwhile, the final arm of the Haji Ali interchange—out of its eight vehicular arms—connecting Worli to Marine Drive and terminating at Lotus Jetty, was opened to traffic on Friday.