Mumbai's iconic 211-acre Mahalaxmi Racecourse is set for transformation as the Maharashtra government divides the land between RWITC and BMC. RWITC retains 91 acres for horse racing with a 30-year lease extension, while BMC gains 300 acres, including coastal road land, for a sprawling central park akin to global counterparts. Reactions vary, with some applauding new green space and others wary of partial privatisation. BMC plans a world-class garden, ensuring RWITC pays nominal rent and event fees. The decision highlights Mumbai's challenge in balancing public needs, historical significance, and commercial interests, urging transparency in future developments.
The future of Mumbai's iconic 211-acre Mahalaxmi Racecourse is taking a new turn. After years of debate, the Maharashtra government has decided to divide the land between the Royal Western India Turf Club (RWITC) and the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC).
The racecourse will be divided. The RWITC will retain control of 91 acres, where horse racing will continue for the next 30 years, with a lease renewal period from June 1, 2023 to May 31, 2053. The remaining 120 acres of the racecourse, along with an additional 180 acres of land from the coastal road project, will be handed over to the BMC for a grand total of 300 acres. This larger area will be transformed into a massive central park, inspired by famous parks in New York and London. An underpass below the coastal road will connect the two sections.
The decision has sparked mixed reactions. While some Mumbaikars welcome the creation of a new 300-acre green lung in the city, others are critical of the division. Some residents and political leaders, like Aaditya Thackeray of Shiv Sena (UBT), believe the entire racecourse should be a public park. They worry the move is a ploy to benefit private developers in the future, despite assurances from the government that "no construction will be allowed" on the BMC's designated land.
The BMC plans to develop a world-class garden on their designated 300 acres. The RWITC will pay a nominal rent of INR 1 for the open spaces they retain and a fee of INR 1,50,000 per day for any non-racing events held on their land. The lease agreement will be signed soon, finalising the handover process.
The Mahalaxmi Racecourse decision highlights the complex challenge of balancing public recreation with historical and commercial interests in a city like Mumbai. With limited green space, creating a large park is a positive step. However, ensuring transparency throughout the development process and addressing concerns about potential commercialisation of the remaining land under the RWITC's control will be crucial.
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