BMC Shelves Mahalaxmi Aquarium Plan, Focuses on Central Park & Heritage Preservation

Mahalaxmi Racecourse, Mumbai: In a shift of plans, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has dropped its idea of developing an underground aquarium at the iconic Mahalaxmi racecourse. Instead, the BMC has decided to develop a vast central park while ensuring the preservation of the racecourse's natural holding pond features.

A senior BMC official revealed that the aquarium concept, inspired by Singapore’s underground aquariums, faced limitations due to the lack of sufficient underground utilities. Moreover, the land's role as a natural holding pond during the monsoon was also a crucial factor in abandoning the aquarium proposal.

In place of the aquarium, the BMC is set to transform 120 acres of the 211-acre racecourse into a central park, drawing inspiration from New York City's famous green space. A key stipulation, however, is that tree heights will be kept under six feet to maintain the view of the racetrack, which holds a Heritage Grade II-B status.

The project also includes plans to connect the park to the Coastal Road via an underground tunnel, creating a 300-acre stretch of continuous open space. A cycling and jogging track is also on the cards to link the Coastal Road’s open plot to the racecourse through an underpass.

The development will respect the racecourse's heritage status, with BMC Commissioner Bhushan Gagrani confirming that work on the development plan is underway. The state cabinet had previously approved the renewal of the lease agreement for the racecourse, with plans for public use of the 120-acre section.