The Maharashtra government approved the acquisition of Mumbai's iconic Air India building at Nariman Point for Rs 1,601 crore. The decision, made during a cabinet meeting, includes waiving around Rs 250 crore in unrealized income and interest on the property. With the government owning the land, the move aims to transform the building into the state's new office space, addressing space constraints following the 2012 fire at Mantralaya. The 23-storey building, designed by architect John Burgee, will provide essential office space for various departments, showcasing a forward-thinking approach to repurposing iconic structures and utilizing Mumbai's architectural legacy strategically.
Last week, the Maharashtra government embarked on a significant stride by approving the acquisition of the iconic Air India building at Nariman Point in Mumbai, investing a substantial Rs 1,601 crore. This strategic move unfolded during a cabinet meeting presided over by Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, accompanied by the decision to waive around Rs 250 crore in unrealized income and interest on the property. The state government owns the land on which it constructed the Air India building in 1974, and now it is poised to transform it into the state's new office space.
The decision stems from the need to address space constraints following the 2012 fire at Mantralaya, the state secretariat building in south Mumbai. Currently, major departments, including public health, medical education, water supply and sanitation, and rural development, have been operating from GT Hospital since the incident. The 23-storey building, owned by Air India Assets Holding Limited, has nine vacant floors. While three floors house GST offices, the income-tax department occupies eight. The ground and first floors are currently under Air India's possession.
The government has communicated with Air India Assets Holding Company, emphasizing the need for the building's transfer, unencumbered. Architect John Burgee of the New York-based firm Johnson/Burgee designed the iconic Air India building, making it one of Mumbai's standout structures. Unfortunately, it fell victim to the 1993 serial bomb blasts in Mumbai, where a car bomb exploded in the basement garage, claiming 20 lives and destroying the offices of the Bank of Oman located above.
In 2018, the building was listed for sale as part of Air India's asset monetization plans. The expansive structure spans an area of 4.99 lakh square feet and is not just a physical entity but a symbol of architectural and historical significance within Mumbai. The decision to acquire this landmark signifies a forward-thinking approach by the Maharashtra government. The Air India building, with its sea-facing prominence, is not only a testament to Mumbai's architectural heritage but also a strategic asset for the government. It offers a solution to the evolving spatial needs of governance and administration in the state.
This move aligns with a broader vision of repurposing iconic structures, fostering preservation efforts, and strategically utilizing Mumbai's architectural legacy. The government's commitment to acquiring and repurposing the Air India building signals a new era in the strategic use and preservation of Mumbai's architectural heritage.
Advertisement
Facebook
Whatsapp
