The Urban Development Department announced that Regulation 13(10) will not be included in the Development Control and Promotion Regulations (DCPR) 2034, affecting the redevelopment of Mumbai's Mahalaxmi Race Course. The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) had proposed a 1.33 Floor Space Index (FSI) for the club, gymkhana, and stables on the 58.3-acre site, envisioning facilities like sports amenities, a clubhouse, and a veterinary hospital. However, the state government approved only an FSI of 0.3 for the 32-acre club area and maintained the existing built-up area for the 26.3-acre stables. The decision aligns with environmental priorities and heritage conservation, emphasizing sustainable development and the enhancement of public spaces within the Mahalaxmi Race Course area.
Following a notification issued earlier this month from the Urban Development Department, a senior official clarified that Regulation 13(10) will not be included in the Development Control and Promotion Regulations (DCPR) 2034. The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) had proposed this regulation specifically for the redevelopment of the Mahalaxmi Race Course.
The BMC had outlined several facilities for the 32-acre club and gymkhana site, including a departmental store, swimming pool, viewing deck, stands, clubhouse, gymnasium, and a range of indoor and outdoor sports amenities, such as squash, table tennis, cricket nets, box cricket, football turf, and pickleball. For the 26 acres designated for horse stables, the proposal included stables, an equine pool, a veterinary hospital, staff quarters, and associated facilities. The proposed Floor Space Index (FSI) of 1.33 was intended for these two plots.
A notification issued by Nirmal Chaudhari, deputy secretary of the Urban Development Department, approved the establishment of a public park or theme park on 120.1 acres (Plots A, B, C, and D). It specified that horse stables, currently located on Plots A and D, will now occupy only Plot D, which covers 26.3 acres, while the racecourse track will be on 34.1 acres (Plot E). The notification indicated that any proposed development must comply with the Coastal Regulation Zone Notification of 2019 and obtain clearance from the Mumbai Heritage Conservation Committee.
In a decision made earlier this year, the state cabinet approved the renewal of the lease agreement with the Royal Western India Turf Club for 91 acres of the racecourse. However, the state government has rejected the BMC's proposal to allow an FSI of 1.33 on 58.3 acres of the Mahalaxmi Race Course, which encompasses the club/gymkhana and the stables. Instead, an FSI of only 0.3 has been permitted for the 32 acres, and only the existing built-up area will be allowed in the 26.3-acre stable area. Had the 1.33 FSI been approved, it would have resulted in the potential development of over 1.8 million square feet on the 32-acre section of the racecourse.
In a notification issued recently, the urban development department, overseen by Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, stated that the proposal to allow an FSI of 1.33 cannot be sanctioned. Consequently, it was deemed necessary to reject the proposal to incorporate new Regulation 13(10) while sanctioning the remaining proposed modifications. The BMC had submitted the new Regulation 13(10) in August for the redevelopment of the Mahalaxmi Race Course.
The rejection of the BMC's proposal for a higher FSI underscores the government's focus on sustainable development and environmental regulations. This decision aims to balance urban development with heritage conservation, ultimately enhancing public spaces while preserving the integrity of the Mahalaxmi Race Course area.
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