BMC Considers 2 New Locations In Navi Mumbai For Mahalaxmi Racecourse

Mumbai's renowned landmark, Mahalaxmi Racecourse has been a topic of debate recently. There have been talks of relocating the racecourse to a new site, with the initial plan being to shift it to the Mulund Dumping ground.

However, as per latest reports, it would instead be shifted to a land in Kharghar or Uran. The reason for this change in plans is the close proximity of these locations to the upcoming Mumbai Trans Harbour Link (MTHL).

In addition, the decision to relocate the racecourse from its current location in Mahalaxmi to Mulund was met with challenges, with the primary concern being the high land prices and the distance from the city. The Mulund dumping ground was deemed not a feasible option by authorities. This is where the new locations of Kharghar or Uran come into play. The land being considered for the location of racecourse is under the City and Industrial Development Corporation (CIDCO).

The CIDCO has started looking for plots in areas of Navi Mumbai for the move and it seems that they are in favour of the relocation.

Despite the apparent benefits of relocating the Mahalaxmi Racecourse to Kharghar or Uran, there is still uncertainty surrounding the move. According to sources, the plans for relocation are largely uncertain, and it is possible that the racecourse will remain in Mahalaxmi only. This is a sentiment echoed by many racegoers and heritage enthusiasts, who have voiced their opposition to the move.

Moreover, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), which is the governing body for the racecourse, is also looking to take ownership of the land and convert it into a theme park. This move has been met with mixed reactions, with some seeing it as a way to modernize the area and attract more visitors, while others view it as a loss of an important cultural and historical site.

The final decision on the relocation is yet to be made and it remains to be seen what the future holds for the Mahalaxmi Racecourse. The racecourse has been leased to the Royal Western India Turf Club (RWITC) since 1914. However, the lease expired close to a decade ago.