Mumbai's first elevated forest walkway through Malabar Hill Forest is expected to open by December 2024, provided the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) remains on track. Nearly 90% complete, the INR 22 crore project, inspired by Singapore's forest walkways, faced delays due to staff shortages and election activities. Spanning 705 metres with views of the Arabian Sea, the eco-sensitive trail will feature a birdwatching zone and a glass-bottom deck. Efforts have been made to protect the environment, and no trees were harmed during construction. The walkway aims to enhance Mumbai's green spaces while maintaining ecological balance.
Come December, citizens may have the opportunity to experience Mumbai's first elevated forest walkway through the Malabar Hill Forest, provided the project by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) stays on schedule. A civic official told reporters at the Express Group that the civil works are nearly complete, with ancillary tasks such as electrification, painting, restrooms, and ticket counters currently in progress. They explained that due to the upcoming Assembly elections and staff shortages, the final phase of work might take two to three months, but expressed optimism that the walkway could be ready by the end of the year.
Inspired by Singapore's popular elevated forest walkways, the BMC proposed constructing this walkway in 2020. Tenders for the project were awarded in 2021 forINR 22 crore, with civil works commencing in 2022. Initially, the BMC aimed for a one-year completion deadline, but civic officials have stated that the project is now 90% complete and is expected to be inaugurated by December this year.
Last week, the BMC issued a tender worth INR 2.43 crore to hire personnel for maintenance and housekeeping services. The official explained that the tender was issued to ensure the workforce would be prepared when the walkway opens for public use, emphasising that security would be particularly important due to the elevated nature of the walkway.
Entry and exit points for the trail will be from Siri Road, behind the Kamala Nehru Park, extending 705 metres within the Malabar Hill Forest and offering an unobstructed view of the Arabian Sea. The walkway will feature a birdwatching zone and a glass-bottom viewing deck. The deck is being constructed from wood, and the structure is designed with minimal concrete use to maintain the natural flow of water through the hill slopes and to avoid disrupting wildlife movement.
The official noted that the project did not harm any trees and emphasised the eco-sensitive and silent zone nature of the area, which necessitated conducting civil works within a specific timeframe. This requirement, however, led to an extension of the project's deadline by a year.
In conclusion, the walkway promises to be a significant addition to Mumbai's green spaces, offering a unique experience while prioritising ecological preservation and community access.
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