Mumbai is set to witness a landmark urban transformation as the Mahalaxmi Racecourse prepares to be reimagined into a sprawling 295-acre Central Park, projected to become the largest urban park in India. The project, announced by the state’s deputy chief minister, will integrate expansive green spaces with modern entertainment and sports facilities, creating a sustainable and accessible civic landmark for residents. The plan balances conservation of the historic racecourse with innovative public infrastructure, reflecting the city’s commitment to eco-friendly urban development.
The redevelopment will carve 125 acres from the existing racecourse, while an additional 170 acres will come from land reclaimed for the Coastal Road. Connectivity has been prioritised, with an underpass linking the park to Annie Besant Road at Haji Ali and the nearby Metro 3 station at Nehru Centre. Civic officials emphasised that the racing track and stables will remain untouched, maintaining heritage elements while creating a large public amenity. The park’s design includes a 10-lakh-square-foot underground sports complex featuring Olympic-standard facilities such as volleyball, basketball, handball, cricket nets, gymnastics courts, kho-kho courts, badminton, squash courts, skating rinks, and a velodrome. Additionally, a three-level underground parking facility with a 5,000-car capacity aims to enhance accessibility while minimising surface congestion.
Beyond sports, the park will host a 9-acre convention centre comprising three large halls and a 50,000-square-foot pre-function area. Landscaped features include a 70-acre topiary garden, multiple thematic gardens—perennial, monsoon, seasonal, aquatic, succulent, and organic farming—and an amphitheatre with a 900-person capacity. A 31-acre botanical garden will integrate medicinal plants, a palm grove, children’s play areas, and water-lily ponds, promoting biodiversity and public education. A proposed 12-acre urban forest will further strengthen the park’s ecological footprint, offering a natural sanctuary in the heart of Mumbai. The underpass will create seamless connections between the topiary and urban forest areas, as well as the sports complex and the coastal park, ensuring easy access for pedestrians and cyclists.
Municipal authorities highlighted that the project emphasises sustainability, with no construction on heritage areas and a focus on green infrastructure, public welfare, and zero-carbon urban design. The integrated park promises not only recreational and cultural benefits but also a critical contribution to Mumbai’s ecological resilience, positioning it as a model for large-scale sustainable urban green spaces in India.
Mumbai To Transform Mahalaxmi Racecourse Into 295 Acre Largest Central Park
