+
Mumbai to Convert Mahalaxmi Racecourse Into 120-Acre Public Park
ECONOMY & POLICY

Mumbai to Convert Mahalaxmi Racecourse Into 120-Acre Public Park

In a landmark move to reclaim 'green lungs' for its citizens, Mumbai will transform the historic Mahalaxmi Racecourse into a sprawling 120-acre public park, drawing inspiration from the scale and spirit of New York’s Central Park. Officials have confirmed that the land will remain free from permanent construction, focusing instead on recreational and environmental value.
The park will feature walking paths, cycling tracks, and tranquil seating areas, creating a vital sanctuary for Mumbaikars to unwind and enjoy nature.
This transformation stems from a 2024 agreement transferring the land from the Royal Western India Turf Club (RWITC) to the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC). Under the arrangement, RWITC will continue horse racing operations on a separate 91-acre leasehold until 2053.
A key component of the plan is linking the new park with the 170-acre open space created by the coastal road project through an underground tunnel, effectively creating nearly 300 acres of contiguous green space for Mumbai residents.
Earlier proposals by architect Hafeez Contractor had included an extensive underground complex beneath the central lawn, with sports facilities such as squash courts, skating rinks, an athletics track, and a shooting range, along with a massive underground parking facility for up to 5,000 vehicles. However, the final blueprint prioritises preservation over construction.
While RWITC has secured approval to build a new clubhouse on its leased parcel, the BMC has committed its 120 acres exclusively to non-commercial, serene green space. This ensures the core of the racecourse will remain a permanent natural retreat, protecting the city from further development.

In a landmark move to reclaim 'green lungs' for its citizens, Mumbai will transform the historic Mahalaxmi Racecourse into a sprawling 120-acre public park, drawing inspiration from the scale and spirit of New York’s Central Park. Officials have confirmed that the land will remain free from permanent construction, focusing instead on recreational and environmental value.The park will feature walking paths, cycling tracks, and tranquil seating areas, creating a vital sanctuary for Mumbaikars to unwind and enjoy nature.This transformation stems from a 2024 agreement transferring the land from the Royal Western India Turf Club (RWITC) to the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC). Under the arrangement, RWITC will continue horse racing operations on a separate 91-acre leasehold until 2053.A key component of the plan is linking the new park with the 170-acre open space created by the coastal road project through an underground tunnel, effectively creating nearly 300 acres of contiguous green space for Mumbai residents.Earlier proposals by architect Hafeez Contractor had included an extensive underground complex beneath the central lawn, with sports facilities such as squash courts, skating rinks, an athletics track, and a shooting range, along with a massive underground parking facility for up to 5,000 vehicles. However, the final blueprint prioritises preservation over construction.While RWITC has secured approval to build a new clubhouse on its leased parcel, the BMC has committed its 120 acres exclusively to non-commercial, serene green space. This ensures the core of the racecourse will remain a permanent natural retreat, protecting the city from further development.

Related Stories

Gold Stories

Next Story
Real Estate

Peninsula Land launches 19 luxury villas in Pune

Pune’s residential landscape is witnessing a shift as premium homebuyers increasingly seek larger spaces, privacy and independent living options beyond high-rise apartments. Addressing this demand, Peninsula Land Limited, part of the Ashok Piramal Group, has launched AshokVillas, an exclusive collection of 19 premium furnished villas in Gahunje, Pune.The development combines the independence of a standalone home with the convenience and security of a managed residential community. Designed around low-density horizontal living, AshokVillas offers residents private spaces while providing acces..

Next Story
Infrastructure Urban

MyBranch Expands South India Network with 16 Workspace Centres

MyBranch has expanded its South India presence with a 50,000 sq ft flexible workspace network comprising 16 centres across 14 cities in Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Telangana.The expansion reflects growing demand for flexible office infrastructure as businesses establish regional teams, satellite offices and operations beyond traditional metropolitan markets. MyBranch’s network spans Bengaluru, Coimbatore, Guntur, Hanamkonda, Hubballi, Hyderabad, Madurai, Mangaluru, Rajahmundry, Salem, Tirupati, Vellore, Vijayawada and Visakhapatnam, with a large office space in Chennai also und..

Next Story
Building Material

Walplast Launches Moisture-Resistant Gypsum Plaster Solutions

Walplast Products Pvt. Ltd. has expanded its HomeSure GypEx portfolio with the launch of GypEx MoistShield and GypEx Gold, two gypsum plaster solutions designed to address moisture-prone applications and improve plastering efficiency.The new products have been developed in response to the growing demand for faster construction processes, improved material performance and consistent surface quality. The solutions aim to simplify interior plastering while addressing specific application requirements across construction environments.“Through HomeSure GypEx MoistShield and GypEx Gold, we are exp..

Advertisement

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Get daily newsletters around different themes from Construction world.

STAY CONNECTED

Advertisement

SPECIAL OFFER
QR Code