RIL may develop city’s largest open space along Coastal Rd

Mumbai: Reliance Industries Limited (RIL) is set to develop city’s largest new open space — stretching across 70 hectares — along the Coastal Road, reports Richa Pinto.A proposal seeking final approval was sent to the municipal commissioner last week, setting the stage for one of the most high-profile urban greening projects the city has seen in decades.

The massive reclaimed stretch runs from Breach Candy to Worli, and RIL is expected to entirely fund this project.In Jan this year, the BMC floated an Expression of Interest inviting parties to develop and maintain landscaping, gardens, and the promenade along the Coastal Road. The EOI stated that this will require no financial commitment from the BMC, and the company developing it will not receive anything in return. “RIL will have to submit its design to BMC on how they plan to develop these spaces. The final design will be approved by BMC,” said a civic official, adding that they are aware of many citizens wanting to contribute to the greening plans and would try to put it forward to selected company.When contacted, RIL did not comment on the issue.