A major enhancement to Mumbai’s recreational landscape has been placed into motion as plans for a state-of-the-art tunnel aquarium at Veermata Jijabai Bhosale Udyan (Byculla Zoo) were set into action by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC). The development has been positioned as one of the city’s most ambitious amusement expansions in recent years, and the project has been envisioned as a facility through which India’s diverse marine heritage will be showcased to visitors in an immersive format.
The aquarium has been conceptualised in a dome-shaped layout, and the design has included two acrylic walk-through tunnels through which a panoramic 180-degree view of coral ecosystems and deep-sea creatures would be offered. The collection of species within the tanks has been planned to predominantly feature native Indian fish, thereby ensuring that the country’s coastal and aquatic environments are highlighted. It has been indicated that the floor bed of the aquarium would be constructed to resemble natural underwater terrain found across India’s water bodies. Educational display boards have also been planned so that visitors can gain insight into ecological and biological aspects of the marine species exhibited.
The project has been advanced steadily since tenders were issued in March 2024, followed by the release of work orders in May. An allocation of ₹62 crore has been made for its creation, and an early-2027 opening has been targeted by civic authorities. The initiative has been inspired by international tunnel aquariums in destinations such as Dubai and Singapore, where walk-through experiences have been credited with dramatically increasing visitor interest.
Parallel to the aquarium venture, an expansion of the Humboldt penguin enclosure at Byculla Zoo has been initiated. The existing space, which currently houses 21 penguins and can hold up to 25, has been undergoing enlargement by an additional 400 square feet. Once completed, the enclosure will be capable of comfortably housing as many as 40 penguins, thereby supporting the growing popularity of this attraction.
Expressions of optimism regarding the project have been conveyed by Zoo Director Dr. Sanjay Tripathi, who noted that tunnel aquariums have been recognised globally as high-interest attractions. It was stated by him that construction work has been progressing at an accelerated pace and that the 2027 launch remains well within reach. The new facility has been anticipated to serve as a major future crowd-puller, potentially redefining Byculla Zoo’s standing as a leading recreational destination within Mumbai.
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