Esplanade guarded 24/7 by cops, cameras

The 3.5-kilometre Marine Drive stretch is secured by surveillance cameras and round-the-clock police patrolling on foot, segways, bicycles or in vans.

The cops are deployed at crucial spots. There are also dozens of plainclothes policemen deployed to keep a close eye on suspicious activities, people and vehicles. "Other than 24/7 patrolling, announcements are made during high tide to warn tourists and the general public to be keep a safe distance from the seashore," said a senior police officer, adding that they do not allow any kind of vehicles, not even cycles, to ply on the promenade. Besides, check posts are set up to put a stop to drag racing.

The authorities feel that even though there is heavy police presence and several precautions in place to avoid vehicles from accessing the promenade, installation of barriers between the promenade and the road is key. As it would also keep reckless drivers at bay.

RECENT ACCIDENTS

​On September 28, an Ola cab lost control and drove onto the pavement, before landing on the tetrapods near Haji Ali. Four passengers sustained injuries in the incident.

In April, 53-year-old Harishchandra Kadge, a resident of Fanaswadi, Girgaum, who had gone for a walk at night with his son Pravin and granddaughter Kavya, 3, on Marine Drive died after a motorcyclist rammed into him.