Mumbai and Thane are poised to witness a transformative urban development with the approval of a new Central Park spanning nearly 2,950 acres, integrating vacant land at the Mahalaxmi Racecourse with sections adjacent to the Coastal Road. Urban planners describe this initiative as one of the most significant public green-space projects in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region, with potential to reshape recreational and sports infrastructure while enhancing environmental sustainability.
The park, designed to balance heritage preservation with contemporary urban needs, will feature a 10-lakh square foot underground sports complex. This facility is intended to host both international-standard sporting events and traditional Indian games such as kho-kho and kabaddi. A senior municipal official noted that the subterranean approach ensures that the surface remains entirely green, maintaining open spaces and visual continuity for residents and visitors. Connectivity has been central to the project’s planning. A 1,200-metre underground passage will link the park directly to the Coastal Road, reducing surface traffic pressures and enabling efficient crowd management during major events. The nearest metro access point will be the Nehru Science Centre station on Metro Line-3, which will also connect to the park through an underground corridor, integrating public transport with recreational infrastructure. Traffic and transport experts suggest this will set a precedent for climate-conscious, high-capacity urban parks in densely populated cities.
The project’s total estimated cost is between INR 700 and 750 crore. Architectural planning, led by a leading urban architect, incorporates sustainable materials and flood mitigation measures suitable for Mumbai’s coastal context. Officials emphasise that no construction will occur on the park’s surface, preserving the existing landscape of the Mahalaxmi Racecourse while introducing additional green zones from the Coastal Road alignment. The park’s design includes spaces for equestrian observation, footpaths, landscaped gardens, and cultural nodes, aiming to offer a multi-functional public space that promotes wellness, leisure, and community engagement. Environmental planners highlight that integrating large green spaces into urban cores contributes to carbon sequestration, heat mitigation, and improved air quality, aligning with Mumbai’s climate resilience objectives.
Parking and ancillary infrastructure will support high visitor volumes without compromising sustainability goals. Coastal Road facilities are expected to accommodate 1,200 cars and 100 buses, ensuring accessibility while discouraging ad hoc traffic disruptions in surrounding neighbourhoods. The Central Park project represents a strategic step in fostering inclusive, people-first urban development. By combining green space, sport, and cultural activities with modern connectivity solutions, it sets a benchmark for urban planning that balances ecological, social, and economic priorities in one of India’s most densely populated metropolitan regions.
Maharashtra Approves Massive Central Park Development For Mumbai & Thane
