Massive New York-Style Mumbai Central Public Park To Come Up On Mahalaxmi Racecourse

Mumbai: In a massive move for Mumbai's urban landscape, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has signed an agreement with the Royal Western India Turf Club Ltd (RWITC) to develop a sprawling, international-standard public park on the Mahalaxmi Racecourse land. 

This landmark project, modeled after New York's Central Park, will span approximately 300 acres, providing a significant boost to the city's green cover and environmental conservation efforts. 

The new "Mumbai Central Public Park" aims to serve as a green lung for the city, enhancing public welfare and offering residents a world-class recreational space.

The Mumbai civic body has signed an agreement for leasing out 91 acres of the Mahalaxmi Racecourse land to the Royal Western India Turf Club Ltd (RWITC) for 30 years. Describing it as a "significant step," Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) on Wednesday stated this move has paved the path for developing an international-standard 'Mumbai Central Public Park' across approximately 300 acres of land.

An agreement has been signed with RWITC at Varsha bungalow, the official residence of Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, for leasing out 91 acres of 211-acre race course land for 30 years between June 1, 2024, and May 31, 2053.

Mumbai Central Public Park: What's The Story

BMC Agreement: The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) signed a deal with the Royal Western India Turf Club Ltd (RWITC).

Lease Details: 91 acres of the Mahalaxmi Racecourse land leased to RWITC for 30 years (June 1, 2024 - May 31, 2053).

Development of Mumbai Central Public Park

Significant Step: Described as a "significant step" towards public welfare and green development.

BMC in a statement said, "This move has paved the path for developing an international-standard 'Mumbai Central Public Park' across approximately 300 acres of land."

Land Transfer and Allocation

Previous Lease: The 211-acre Mahalaxmi Racecourse land had been leased to RWITC for over a century; the lease expired some years ago.

Government Decision: The Maharashtra government decided to transfer 120 acres of the plot to BMC.

BMC Release: "The Government of Maharashtra recently decided to transfer 120 acres of the plot to BMC after the expiration of the Mahalaxmi Racecourse lease."

- Land Distribution:
- 91 acres to RWITC.
- 120 acres retained by BMC.

Additional 175 acres from the Mumbai Coastal Road Project, adjacent to the Racecourse premises.
 

Environmental Impact

Green Cover Increase: The park will increase Mumbai's green cover from 3,917 acres to 4,212 acres.

"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," BMC said. 

Usage Stipulations

Public Purposes Only: The Maharashtra Urban Development Department stipulates that reclaimed land must be used strictly for public purposes.

"The reclaimed land from the RWITC must be strictly utilised for public purposes, specifically for the development of the international-standard central public park, underlining that business or commercial constructions will not be permitted," the government resolution read.