Mumbai to get ‘biggest central park in India’s history’ at Mahalaxmi Racecourse – all details

Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde announced the plan, calling it the biggest central park ever planned in an Indian city.

Mumbai’s iconic Mahalaxmi Racecourse is set for a major transformation, with plans to rebrand it as “Central Park” and turn it into one of the largest public open spaces in any Indian city.

The proposed project will create a 295-acre green zone that will combine open landscapes, cultural spaces and a large underground sports complex, while keeping the historic racing track and stables intact.

Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde announced the plan, calling it the biggest central park ever planned in an Indian city. Of the total area, 125 acres will come from the existing racecourse land, while the remaining 170 acres will be developed on land reclaimed for the Mumbai Coastal Road project. An underpass will connect the park to Annie Besant Road near Haji Ali, ensuring smooth access for visitors.

No construction on actual racecourse

Shinde clarified that there will be no construction on the actual racecourse. “The racing track and stables will remain untouched. This will be a completely eco-friendly project and will act as an oxygen park for Mumbaikars,” he said.

The Mahalaxmi Racecourse, owned by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) and leased to the Royal Western India Turf Club (RWITC), will continue its horse racing activities as before.

The blueprint for the redevelopment was submitted by architect Hafeez Contractor, Hindustan Times reported. Civic officials say the project is aimed at increasing Mumbai’s shrinking open spaces while also offering modern public facilities.

World-class underground sports complex

One of the key highlights of the project is a massive underground sports complex spread across nearly 10 lakh square feet. The facility will include courts for volleyball, basketball, handball, badminton, squash and kho-kho, along with cricket practice nets, gymnastics areas, skating rinks and even a velodrome to meet international standards. Below the sports complex, a three-level parking facility for about 5,000 cars is also planned to ease traffic pressure in the area.

Above ground, Central Park will feature landscaped gardens, including a 70-acre topiary garden, a 31-acre botanical garden with medicinal plants, and a 12-acre urban forest. There will also be an amphitheatre with seating for 900 people, an events lawn and multiple themed gardens.

A world-class convention centre will be built on a nine-acre plot within the park. It will have three large halls, pre-function areas and other modern amenities.

The upcoming Metro Line 3 station at Nehru Centre will be connected to Mahalaxmi through an underground passage, making Central Park easily accessible to thousands of residents and visitors.