Mumbai's 295-Acre Central Park: Maharashtra's Ambitious Green Space and Sports Complex Development

Visitors will be able to enjoy horse racing while strolling through the park.

Mumbai:

Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde announced on Monday that a world-class 'Central Park' will be developed across 295 acres, integrating the open land of Mahalaxmi Racecourse with the Coastal Road.

The project will also feature a 10 lakh square feet environmentally-friendly underground sports complex beneath the Central Park. This facility will accommodate international-level sports events alongside traditional Indian games like Kho-Kho and Kabaddi, according to the deputy CM.

Brihanmumbai Municipal Commissioner Bhushan Gagrani presented the proposed master plan for Central Park to Shinde during the day.

While plans for the park were previously known, the timing of the announcement was noteworthy as it came just moments before the State Election Commission declared polls for 29 civic bodies, including Mumbai, which triggered the implementation of the model code of conduct.

"This will be the greatest gift ever presented to Mumbaikars. The surface of this park will remain free from concrete construction. The Central Park will connect directly to the Coastal Road via an underground passage. The racecourse and its historic heritage will be preserved intact," Shinde stated.

Park visitors will have the opportunity to watch horse racing during their walks. Apart from walking paths, the surface will remain undeveloped, ensuring the entire area stays a green park.

To facilitate smooth traffic flow, a 1,200-meter-long underground tunnel costing Rs 550 crore will connect the Central Park to the Coastal Road. Renowned architect Hafeez Contractor designed the entire project, according to Shinde.

This underground connection will help manage the flow of visitors to both the Central Park and sports complex. The Coastal Road parking facility will have capacity for 1,200 cars and 100 buses.

The Deputy Chief Minister highlighted that the project will create a 300-acre oxygen park, contributing to reduced air pollution in Mumbai.

Shinde also mentioned that all road concretisation work in Mumbai will be completed by May. Sewage treatment projects are scheduled for completion by December 6, 2026.

He emphasized that the Mahayuti government has delivered on all its promises.