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Byculla zoo to get INR 62 crore tunnel aquarium by 2027

#Infrastructure News#India#Maharashtra#Mumbai City
Last Updated : 15th May, 2025
Synopsis

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has sanctioned a project valued at INR 62 crore to construct a state-of-the-art tunnel aquarium at the Veermata Jijabai Bhosale Udyan and Zoo in Byculla. The contract has been awarded to M/S Marine Aqua Zoo, known for its expertise in marine-themed projects. The 14,000 sq ft structure will feature a walk-through tunnel and multiple thematic tanks, showcasing over 200 marine species. Expected to be completed by early 2027, the project is part of BMC's broader strategy to revitalise the 160-year-old zoo, attracting more visitors, particularly children and tourists.

The Veermata Jijabai Bhosale Udyan and Zoo in Mumbai, also referred to as the Byculla zoo, is undergoing a major renovation project spearheaded by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC). The civic body has awarded an INR 62 crore contract to M/S Marine Aqua Zoo, a firm with notable expertise in marine projects, to construct a state-of-the-art tunnel aquarium. This new attraction is set to replace the current fish tank setup, which was installed in 2003, and is expected to be a major draw for visitors, particularly children and tourists.


The proposed tunnel aquarium will span 14,000 sq ft and feature a walk-through tunnel that will offer visitors an immersive experience. It will also include several thematic tanks to showcase a variety of over 200 marine species, highlighting the diversity of underwater life. BMC officials have emphasised that the design and construction will adhere to international standards, ensuring that the aquarium will not only be a captivating attraction but also a benchmark for quality in the country.

The new aquarium is expected to rival other notable marine exhibits in metropolitan areas such as Chennai and Bangkok. Zoo officials are confident that the aquarium will significantly enhance the zoo's appeal, drawing a larger crowd, particularly families and young visitors, thereby boosting footfall. The development is part of BMC's broader vision to revitalise the 160-year-old zoo and turn it into a modern recreational and educational space for the city.

Work on the tunnel aquarium is set to begin soon, and the project is expected to be completed by January 2027. The timeline for completion has been impacted by several delays, including the pandemic and multiple rounds of technical scrutiny. However, with the recent approval from the Standing Committee and tenders floated earlier this year, the project is now moving forward.

The aquarium project is part of a larger initiative by BMC to modernise the Byculla zoo, which has long been a cherished landmark in Mumbai. The zoo, which houses a wide variety of animals, is expected to see further upgrades in the coming years, positioning it as a leading tourist destination in the city.

Once completed, the tunnel aquarium is expected to not only increase the zoo's attraction but also enhance Mumbai's broader tourism offerings. The modernisation of the Byculla zoo could encourage more visitors to explore the city's cultural and recreational spaces, making it a more prominent destination for both locals and international tourists.

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