Mumbai’s new Coastal Road project has received approval from the Supreme Court of India, enabling the creation of extensive green space along the city’s coastline. The court’s decision removes legal barriers, permitting the development of parks, promenades, and cycling tracks on reclaimed land, as long as it meets the 15% rule.
Corporate Role and Public Access Concerns
Reliance Industries will undertake the project’s development and maintenance as part of its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative. However, the use of valuable oceanfront land in a densely populated area sparked concerns about potential commercialization and limited public access.
To address these issues, the court implemented a 15% rule, stipulating that no more than 15% of the total area can be designated for ticketed attractions or restricted zones.
Legal Challenges and Court Decisions
The project faced initial opposition in 2025 when the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) awarded Reliance the landscaping and maintenance contract. A Public Interest Litigation (PIL) lawsuit raised concerns about possible commercialization and private leasing of the land.
In January 2026, the Supreme Court dismissed these concerns, ruling that the development of parks, gardens, and cycling tracks was essential for Mumbai’s urban growth and environmental well-being. The court explicitly prohibited any residential or commercial construction for sale or lease.
Despite this ruling, the project stalled when Reliance submitted a revised design plan to the BMC. A city landscaping committee hesitated, uncertain if certain recreational features required additional Supreme Court approval. This bureaucratic delay halted progress.
Final Approval and Future Steps
On June 11, 2026, the Supreme Court clarified that the project faced no legal obstacles. A two-judge bench instructed the BMC to assess Reliance’s master layout plan without awaiting further approvals, as the project faced no legal obstacles. Provided the plans comply with the January 2026 ruling-no land sales, high-quality maintenance, and the 15% cap on ticketed zones-the BMC is authorized to assess Reliance’s master layout plan.
With this final legal clearance, the focus shifts to the BMC, which is authorized to review the designs and assess Reliance’s master layout plan. The project’s advancement represents a significant step in expanding the city’s green spaces while balancing public access and corporate participation.
