ALAN ABRAHAM: RETHINKING MUMBAI'S COASTAL ROAD FOR A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE

Co-principal of Abraham John Architects and co-founder of Bombay Greenway, known for his forward-thinking approach to urban development and commitment to innovative, context-driven design—Alan Abraham candidly shares his perspective on Mumbai's Coastal Road project—proposing a people-first approach that balances heritage conservation, accessible public spaces, and sustainable infrastructure over car-centric development

- Ankita Rathod

Q: What inspired your vision for the proposal to have open spaces along Mumbai’s Coastal Road?

Alan Abraham: “The Coastal Road project has reclaimed 111 hectares of land, yet only around 20 hectares are needed for the road itself. This means 82% of the reclaimed land could, and still can, be transformed into vibrant public spaces for the entire city. Unfortunately, much of this land is fragmented and allocated to parking lots, depots, and roads that primarily serve cars.

“Our vision stems from the need to create accessible public spaces that allow everyone to enjoy Mumbai’s stunning waterfront—not just a privileged few. We aimed for a holistic and inclusive design that enhances the quality of life in Mumbai. Open spaces along the coast offer incredible opportunities for recreation, connectivity, and interaction with nature. After all, we should celebrate Mumbai as a coastal city!”

Q: Can you explain how private interests have influenced the current Coastal Road project?

AA: “Private interests have clearly shaped the Coastal Road project, heavily prioritising car users—a mere 0.3% of Mumbai’s population. The absence of tolls and the exclusion of non-motorised transport reflect a skewed focus on private vehicles over public benefit.

“The design favours real estate developers by boosting property values along the road at the expense of more balanced development that serves the entire city. Instead of addressing inner-city transport needs, it encourages car ownership, leading to future infrastructure and parking issues. Building bridges like the Bandra-Worli Sea Link would have been more efficient than reclaiming land, which is likely to turn into prime real estate instead of much-needed public spaces. This project appears to prioritise private gain over public good.”