Kala Ghoda Transformation BMC to Finish Work Before 21st January
Mumbai’s renowned Kala Ghoda precinct is undergoing a major transformation as part of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation’s (BMC) ambitious beautification project. The project, designed to revamp five key lanes in the cultural hub, is currently underway with a view to completing Phase 1 before the Kala Ghoda Festival on 21st January 2025. With an allocated budget of ₹90 lakh for Phase 1, the BMC is focusing on enhancing the aesthetic and functional aspects of the area, which has long been a centre of art and culture in Mumbai.
Streets like V B Gandhi Marg (Forbes Street) and Rutherfield Street are among the first to receive the upgrades. The plan includes the installation of cobblestone paving to lend the area an elegant, old-world charm, and the addition of special lighting that will further enhance the atmosphere, particularly during major festivals. One of the key goals of the project is to improve pedestrian accessibility. The BMC is working to make the streets more pedestrian-friendly, with an eventual ban on vehicular movement after the project’s completion. Other streets undergoing renovation include Rope Walk Lane, Saibaba Road, and B Bharucha Road. This aligns with a broader effort to turn Kala Ghoda into a more accessible and vibrant cultural zone for locals and tourists alike. Earlier, in September of the previous year, the BMC initiated a trial run of the ‘pedestrian-only’ initiative, restricting vehicle movement in the area’s internal lanes during weekends.
Following positive feedback and consultations with local authorities, the full-fledged work began, having received the necessary approval from the traffic department. As per a senior official of the ‘A’ ward, the initial phase of the project, covering approximately 90 metres, involves extensive civil work, including excavation, backfilling, and the installation of cobblestone pavements with a 100mm thick natural and deep leather finish. Additionally, a new utility network is being integrated into the infrastructure, alongside landscaping and electrical installations. The full-scale development of the area, which will culminate in a beautifully pedestrianised cultural space, is expected to be completed by April 2025. This initiative is not only a step forward in improving the physical infrastructure of Kala Ghoda but also a move to preserve the area’s heritage while making it more sustainable and accessible for future generations.
