Mumbai To Get New York's Central Park-Style Green Space On Mahalaxmi Racecourse Land | Details

Mumbai Mahalaxmi Racecourse News: In a move that will reshape the urban landscape of India's financial capital, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has signed an agreement with the Royal Western India Turf Club Ltd (RWITC) to develop an expansive, world-class public park on the Mahalaxmi Racecourse land. This ambitious project, modeled after the renowned Central Park in New York, is set to span an impressive 300 acres, delivering a boost to Mumbai's green cover and environmental conservation efforts.

The agreement, signed at Varsha bungalow, the official residence of Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, outlines the leasing of 91 acres of the 211-acre Mahalaxmi Racecourse land to RWITC for a period of 30 years, from June 1, 2024, to May 31, 2053.

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Significantly, the Government of Maharashtra has recently decided to transfer 120 acres of the Mahalaxmi Racecourse plot to the BMC, following the expiration of the previous lease. With the allocation of 91 acres to RWITC, the civic body now holds 120 acres of land, which will form the foundation for the new central public park.

In a strategic move, the BMC plans to further expand the park by incorporating an additional 175 acres from the Mumbai Coastal Road Project, adjacent to the Racecourse premises. This combined 300-acre expanse will serve as the canvas for the Mumbai Central Public Park, echoing the grandeur of iconic green spaces like Central Park in New York and Hyde Park in London.

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According to a government resolution dated June 26, 2024, the reclaimed land from the RWITC must be strictly utilized for public purposes, with the development of the international-standard central public park being the primary focus. The resolution emphasizes that no business or commercial constructions will be permitted on the site.

"The park will also provide a much-needed green lung for the city, increasing Mumbai's green cover from 3,917 acres to 4,212 acres, besides contributing significantly to the city's environmental protection and conservation efforts," the BMC stated in a release.

(With PTI Inputs)