Architect Hafeez Contractor, enlisted by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), aims to revamp Mumbai's Mahalaxmi Racecourse into a 700-acre green space. Initially proposing an elevated racetrack, Contractor finalized a 120-acre public park plan. The project includes a cycling/jogging track linking the Mumbai Coastal Road and Haji Ali via an underpass. Additionally, spiral walkway ramps will connect green spaces from Worli to Colaba, creating a contiguous green area. Contractor, who worked pro bono, aims to enhance Mumbai's greenery. The Maharashtra Cabinet approved the plan, preserving the racecourse's heritage, renewing a lease for 91 acres for Royal Western India Turf Club.
The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) plans to transform the 120-acre Mahalaxmi Racecourse plot into a "Central Park." Architect Hafeez Contractor envisions a more extensive project, aiming to connect this area with other green spaces, creating a 700-acre contiguous green expanse for the city.
Contractor was engaged by the BMC earlier this year to reimagine the racecourse. The objective is to enhance the city's limited green spaces and provide amenities like cycling and jogging tracks, and walking decks. According to Contractor, former civic chief Iqbal Singh Chahal pointed out the underutilized potential of the Racecourse. This prompted the idea of dedicating part of the space for public use. Initially, an elevated racetrack was proposed, but the plan was revised, and it was decided to allocate 120 acres to the public.
A key aspect of the project is to link the Racecourse to the Mumbai Coastal Road via an underpass at Haji Ali. Currently, a missing link at Haji Ali dargah, opposite the Hinduja office, poses a challenge. However, the design includes a 20-foot elevated cycling and jogging track to avoid disturbing local fishermen. This will allow uninterrupted access from Worli to Haji Ali and then to the Racecourse through the underpass.
Contractor and his team spent three months on detailed research to develop the design, which integrates green spaces from Worli to Colaba. The plan includes constructing two spiral walkway ramps in south Mumbai: one connecting Priyadarshini Park and Kamala Nehru Park at Malabar Hill, and another linking Kamala Nehru Park with Girgaon Chowpatty. These ramps will integrate with Marine Drive, extending to Nariman Point, resulting in a 700-800 acre linear green space in the city.
Contractor, renowned for designing three of India's tallest buildings-The 42 in Kolkata and The Imperial twin towers in Mumbai-undertook this project pro bono. His motivation is deeply personal; as a Mumbai native, he desires to enhance the city's greenery. He emphasizes the collective effort needed to improve the urban environment.
Contractor presented his proposal to former BMC chief Chahal and subsequently held three meetings with the state's chief secretary and Mahalaxmi Racecourse members. On June 26, the Maharashtra Cabinet approved the proposal, renewing the lease for 91 acres of the 211-acre racecourse, while the remaining 120 acres were designated for public use. This decision ensures the preservation of the racecourse's heritage status, with strict prohibitions on construction activities.
Under the approved plan, the Royal Western India Turf Club (RWITC) will maintain the 91-acre section, including the racing pitch and stables, under a renewed lease agreement from June 1, 2023, to May 31, 2053. This initiative aims to balance public access with heritage preservation, contributing significantly to Mumbai's green infrastructure.
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