The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has paused its plans for two major beautification projects. These include a viewing deck at Marine Drive and a parking facility at Regal Junction. This decision comes on the backdrop of the Maharashtra Assembly elections.
Officials from the BMC stated that the projects need approval from the state’s environment and traffic departments. Construction will not resume until after the elections. Both projects have been underway since 2022.
Makarand Narwekar, a BJP corporator from South Mumbai, had proposed the projects. BMC had hired experts to design them, but no tenders were issued yet.
The civic body recently also halted the Colaba Causeway beautification project. This comes after two other projects in the same area were paused. These include the beautification of the Gateway of India precinct and a project to improve the area beneath the JJ Flyover on Mohammad Ali Road.
The Marine Drive viewing deck project was proposed in 2022. The plan includes a coastal plaza with a view of the Arabian Sea. It will feature a cast iron gate at the entrance and railings along a 60-meter stretch of the promenade.
The project also includes vintage-style electric poles and designated seating areas for visitors. The Jetty near Marine Drive is also set to be upgraded. Safety grilles, seating, a public restroom, and vintage-style lights will be installed.
Furthermore, the Regal Junction underground parking facility has a viewing deck above. Currently, around 50 vehicles park in an open area near Regal Cinema. The new facility would accommodate about 150 cars and bikes. Despite consultants designing the project, no tender has been floated.
In a letter, Narwekar accused the BMC of delaying the Regal Junction plan for political reasons. He expressed frustration, saying that files are stuck with senior officials. He asked the BMC to resolve any challenges and avoid political interference in public projects. He also noted that the previous municipal commissioner had approved the projects and funds had been allocated.
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