On Tuesday, BMC Commissioner and Administrator Bhushan Gagrani directed civic and police officials to step up beautification and maintenance efforts along the Marine Drive stretch, from Nariman Point to Swarajyabhoomi (Chowpatty)
Mumbai's Marine Drive promenade. File Pic
The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) Commissioner and Administrator Bhushan Gagrani on Wednesday called for efforts to enhance the aesthetic appeal and public amenities of Marine Drive in south Mumbai, calling it the “crown jewel” of the city.
Gagrani conducted a surprise foot inspection of the 3.6-km stretch between Nariman Point and Swarajyabhoomi (Chowpatty) early Tuesday morning, accompanied by senior civic and police officials. He issued a series of on-the-spot instructions aimed at improving public infrastructure, beautification, and cleanliness in the iconic coastal promenade.
From removing unnecessary barricades outside the NCPA to ensuring all benches are properly maintained, the BMC chief urged officials to make the area more pedestrian-friendly and visually appealing. “Marine Drive contributes to the healthful mornings and peaceful evenings of Mumbaikars, we need to preserve and elevate that experience,” the city civic chief said during the walkthrough.
Deputy Municipal Commissioner (Zone 1) Chanda Jadhav, DCP Prashant Pardeshi, and other senior civic officials were part of the inspection team.
Gagrani stressed the need for clean and accessible public toilets, especially near tourist-heavy spots. He asked for consistent upkeep of road medians, removal of cluttered signage, and a uniform look for ‘Aarey’ stalls lining the area. He also flagged hanging wires on lamp posts and instructed officials to ensure the timely painting and maintenance of the poles.
Taking note of accessibility issues, Gagrani asked for clear, obstruction-free wheelchair zones and more resting spots for pedestrians.
In the Chowpatty area, he ordered that construction material piled up at the “Chhoti Chowpatty” be cleared immediately and the roadside police chowky relocated to the rear of the site. Plans for a new public toilet and a pedestrian walkway leading in from Chowpatty were also proposed on the spot.
Lighting at the historic Parsi Gate -- a key cultural and religious site -- was another concern. Gagrani directed officials to ensure that the space is well-illuminated at night.
Despite numerous past interventions, Gagrani noted that many pedestrians continue to dangerously cross over the central dividers. He asked BMC and police teams to devise a solution to this long-standing issue.
Marine Drive, often touted as Mumbai’s most picturesque public space, attracts thousands of locals and tourists daily. “It is our responsibility to keep it beautiful, clean, and welcoming -- not just for citizens, but for visitors from across the world,” Gagrani said.
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