Mumbai’s Gorai Beach shines again after 3 years in major lighting project

Gorai Beach. File/Representational Pic

A 2.5-kilometre stretch of Gorai Beach in Borivali West has finally been illuminated, ending nearly three years of darkness. The project was carried out by Adani Group-backed Adani Electricity Mumbai Limited (AEML) in coordination with the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation.

The beach had remained without streetlights for years, raising safety concerns for both locals and visitors, especially after sunset. Despite being a popular spot, the lack of lighting limited public access in the evenings.

Why was lighting a challenge?

Earlier attempts to install lights had failed due to the difficult coastal conditions. The area has a mix of rocky and sandy terrain, along with high salt levels in the air, which caused rapid corrosion of poles and underground cables.

To overcome this, Adani Electricity's Mira-Bhayander division engineers along with BMC designed a customised solution suited for the harsh environment.

An Adani Electricity spokesperson said, "Gorai Beach remained unlit for several years due to the complexity of the terrain and harsh environmental conditions. Working closely with the BMC, our focus was to develop a durable and practical solution that could withstand coastal challenges," as per the press statement.

Smart engineering solutions

The project included installing 90 streetlight poles along the stretch. Special techniques were used to ensure durability, such as HDPE pipe sleeves, reinforced concrete foundations, and protective ducting for underground cables.

Advanced insulated wiring and multiple earthing points were added for safety. The poles, each 5.25 metres tall, were fitted with specially designed brackets to provide even lighting across the uneven beach terrain.

Since there are no proper service roads, a ladder-based system was introduced for maintenance, avoiding the need for heavy machinery.

"By leveraging innovative engineering and customised infrastructure solutions, we have successfully converted a difficult stretch into a safe and welcoming public space, reflecting our commitment to strengthening civic infrastructure and enhancing everyday life for the communities we serve," the Adani spokesperson added.

A safer shoreline after sunset

With the new lighting in place, the beach is now safer and more accessible. Visibility has improved, helping with surveillance and encouraging more visitors in the evening.

Welcoming the project, Rossi D'Souza, Sarpanch of Gorai Gaothan Panchayat, said, "For years, residents and visitors raised concerns about safety along this stretch of Gorai Beach after sunset. The absence of lighting affected movement and livelihoods linked to evening footfall. The illumination of this entire coastline is a long-awaited and welcome development for our community," as per the news agency.

Mr. Dsouza further added, "We appreciate Adani Electricity' and BMC's commitment to solving a real on‑ground challenge through thoughtful engineering and sustainable execution. This project has enhanced safety and restored confidence among locals and visitors alike."