The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has approved an INR 2.5 crore plan to restore the David Sassoon Clock Tower in Byculla. The project also includes a two-year maintenance contract. A contractor will be appointed to take care of the structure during this period.
The 67-foot tower is the oldest clock tower in Mumbai and stands at the entrance of Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar Road. The 160-year-old clock carries the name of David Sassoon, who funded the project. He had announced in 1862 that he would build a clock tower outside the garden.
As per a report by the Indian Express, the structure was completed in 1864, but the clock tower was built in 1866. The delay happened due to a financial crisis that slowed down the delivery of materials from England.
Civic records show that the total cost of the tower was INR 51,653. Out of this, more than half was contributed by David Sassoon. The remaining amount was covered through other sources. The tower later went through changes due to urban development.
The Bombay Improvement Trust proposed to expand the Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar Road. For this, the clock tower had to be moved. It was taken down brick by brick and relocated about 50 metres from its original position. The tower was officially handed over to the municipality on January 10, 1927.
Over the years, the tower fell into poor condition. The new restoration plan will repair and improve the structure. The tower has also been used for cultural events. In August 2024, the clock tower of the David Sassoon Library became the focus of a 3D projection event. ZEE5 hosted the event to promote its mystery thriller Gyaarah Gyaarah.
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