The Maharashtra government has dramatically reduced the Royal Western India Turf Club's (RWITC) annual lease rent at Mahalaxmi Racecourse in Mumbai from INR 3 crore to INR 1 crore, focusing only on the built-up areas like the clubhouse and stables. This decision, criticised by some, includes leasing the remaining 79 acres of open space for public use on non-racing days at a concessional rate. Meanwhile, discussions continue on the racecourse's future, with proposals ranging from a theme park to integrating it into a larger 300-acre Central Park connected via an underground subway.
The Maharashtra government has reduced the annual lease rent for the Royal Western India Turf Club (RWITC) at Mahalaxmi Racecourse in Mumbai by a significant margin. This decision comes after concerns were raised about the high cost based on the entire 91-acre plot.
Under a new government resolution, the RWITC will now only pay rent for the built-up area they occupy, like the clubhouse and stables. This amounts to around INR 1 crore annually, a reduction of INR 2 crore from the previously proposed INR 3 crore which included the entire racecourse grounds. This represents a roughly 70% discount on the original lease rent calculation.
The remaining 79 acres of open space at the racecourse, which is not used for horse racing, will be available for public use on non-racing days. The government plans to lease this open space at a lower, concessional rate. This ensures public access to the sizable green area while generating revenue for the state.
Some have criticised the decision, arguing that it provides a INR 2 crore discount to the RWITC. Others called for the inclusion of the Amateur Riders' Club (ARC) in the 91-acre lease agreement. The ARC, established in 1942, has trained generations of Mumbaikars in equestrian sports and polo. People believe its inclusion is crucial to ensure their continued existence and support for aspiring athletes.
While the government focuses on making the 79-acre open space accessible to the public, the future of the racecourse itself remains uncertain. Earlier proposals to develop a theme park on the site faced opposition from Shiv Sena (UBT) MLA Aaditya Thackeray. The Chief Minister, Eknath Shinde, has proposed a different vision - connecting the racecourse with the new 180-acre green space along the Mumbai Coastal Road via an underground subway. This could potentially create a massive 300-acre Central Park for the city.
The final plans for the racecourse and its surrounding area are still under discussion. However, the reduced rent and focus on public access to the open space offer a glimpse into the potential future of this iconic Mumbai landmark.
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