Shiv Sena chief and Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has announced a major gift for Mumbai and Thane that is expected to significantly transform the city’s landscape. He has approved the development of a world-class Central Park spread across a massive 2,950 acres by integrating the vacant land of the Mahalaxmi Racecourse and the Coastal Road area.
The proposed Central Park layout was presented to Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde. Mumbai Municipal Commissioner Bhushan Gagrani and renowned architect Hafeez Contractor were present on the occasion.
Project Cost Estimated at INR 700–750 Crore
The Central Park project is being described as one of the biggest gifts ever for Mumbaikars. The estimated cost of construction is expected to be between INR 700 and INR 750 crore. As part of the project, the Central Park will be directly connected to the Coastal Road through an underground corridor. Shinde clarified that no damage will be caused to the historic heritage of the Mahalaxmi Racecourse.
Sports Complex with Global and Traditional Indian Games
A world-class Central Park will be developed on 1,250 acres of land at the Mahalaxmi Racecourse, along with an additional 1,700 acres of land from the Coastal Road area, making the total area 2,950 acres. Beneath the Central Park, a 10-lakh square foot international-standard sports complex will be developed.
The sports complex will feature facilities for international sports as well as traditional Indian games such as kho-kho and kabaddi. Deputy Chief Minister Shinde stated that the entire sports complex will be completely environment-friendly.
Green Park with Horse Racing Experience
Shinde also said that while strolling through the Central Park, Mumbaikars will be able to enjoy views of horse racing. He clearly stated that apart from footpaths, no construction will be carried out on the park’s surface, and the entire area will be developed purely as a green zone.
To ensure smooth traffic movement, the Central Park will be connected directly to the Coastal Road via a 1,200-metre-long underground passage. A INR 550 crore tender has been issued for this underground connectivity. The entire project has been designed by renowned architect Hafeez Contractor.
Metro Line-3 to Provide Direct Access
Providing details about connectivity, Mumbai Municipal Commissioner Bhushan Gagrani said that the nearest metro station to the Central Park will be ‘Nehru Science Centre’ on Metro Line-3. This metro station will be directly connected to the Central Park through an underground passage.
The underground route will run via Annie Besant Road up to Haji Ali, where it will be linked to parking facilities, and will further connect to the Coastal Road. Gagrani explained that underground connectivity between the Coastal Road and the Central Park will help efficiently manage crowds visiting the park and the sports complex.
The Coastal Road parking facility will have the capacity to accommodate 1,200 cars and 100 buses.
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