Maharashtra Govt greenlights 120-acre 'central park' at Mumbai’s Mahalaxmi Race Course

The Maharashtra Government has finally approved the establishment of a 120-acre ‘central park’ at Mahalaxmi Race Course, after discussions with Royal Western India Turf Club (RWITC) and Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC). This decision was made during a weekly cabinet meeting on Wednesday. The park will adhere to international standards, much like the ones in New York and London and no construction will be allowed on the site. Additionally,180 acres of Mumbai Coastal Road land will be handed over to the BMC.

The plan finally designates 91 acres of the 211-acre Racecourse land to the Royal Western India Turf Club (RWITC) under a 30-year lease till May 30, 2053, with a potential for extension. This lease allows RWITC to continue hosting its renowned horse races.

The remaining 120 acres will be handed over to the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) to develop the public park. This initiative aims to create a green oasis for public use, contributing to environmental conservation and providing recreational space for residents.

The development of 'central park' is envisioned to be seen as a step towards increasing Mumbai's green infrastructure. It balances heritage preservation with urban development, ensuring that the city’s historical racecourse continues its legacy while a substantial portion is transformed into a public park.