The Indian Express                17.06.2013

Major push for a more beautiful Marine Drive

If things go as planned, Mumbaikars will get the city's first viewing deck stretched into the Arabian sea, in addition to the makeover of the Marine Drive promenade. The heritage Parsi Gate will be restored, and the road near Princess Street will be widenend to make space for motorists. The makeover, initiated in 2004, had not gained ground since February 2013, after an empowered committee (EC) headed by chief secretary Jayant Kumar Banthia gave an in-principle nod. MMRDA plans to complete the main features of the project in the next one year.

"We are trying to implement some components from what the architect has recommended. The total cost will not amount to more than Rs 2-3 crore. We are trying to involve private parties and residents living around the area for sponsoring some of the work," said U P S Madan, Metropolitan Commissioner, MMRDA.

For the viewing deck, the MMRDA will build cantilever structures,which involves anchoring the beam at just one end to take the stress of the entire deck.

"We identified the elements that are immediately do-able and necessary. For example, the restoration of the Parsi Gate is important as it holds a sentimental value for the community and is currently in a total state of disrepair," Madan said.

MMRDA will widen the road under the flyover near Princess Street. "There is redundant water pipeline. We have proposed to remove it and widen the road," the metropolitan commissioner added.

The project was discussed with Maharashtra Coastal Zone Management Authority, which seemed positive about it, said S V R Srinivas, additional metropolitan commissioner.