The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) has officially scrapped its proposed Rs 300-crore Bollywood-themed beautification project planned along the Metro 2B corridor connecting Bandra and Juhu. The decision follows sustained public opposition and a coordinated citizens’ campaign, highlighting growing awareness about sustainable urban development and responsible utilisation of public funds.
The project, initially envisaged to convert the stretch beneath the Metro 2B line into a cinematic heritage corridor, aimed to celebrate 110 years of Indian cinema. Plans included large-scale installations depicting iconic film personalities and milestones, spanning from Dadasaheb Phalke’s Raja Harishchandra (1913) to contemporary cinema. However, civic experts and residents criticised the plan as a costly, environmentally intrusive initiative that would have added extensive concrete, metal, and plastic structures to a busy urban corridor. Officials from MMRDA confirmed that, following discussions with district authorities and citizen representatives, the project was withdrawn, and the allocated funds will now be redirected toward sustainable urban development initiatives. “The decision reflects the city’s commitment to prioritising green infrastructure, citizen welfare, and eco-friendly urban planning over decorative yet non-essential installations,” an MMRDA official stated.
Activists involved in the campaign emphasised that the opposition was driven by environmental and urban design concerns. Residents argued that the stretch beneath Metro 2B would have suffered visual clutter and potential ecological impact, contrasting with the broader objectives of sustainable city development. The campaign gained momentum rapidly, with over 600 signatures submitted to authorities in support of greener, more functional urban spaces. Urban planning experts welcomed the decision, noting that infrastructure corridors such as Metro 2B should prioritise pedestrian accessibility, green cover, and eco-conscious design. “Urban beautification projects must integrate sustainable materials and minimise environmental footprint,” an urban design consultant commented. “This decision sets a precedent for citizen-led influence over public spending in Mumbai.”
The scrapped project also reflects a shift in civic governance philosophy, where citizen engagement and accountability play a decisive role in urban infrastructure planning. Authorities have now been tasked with identifying alternative projects that enhance public utility while maintaining environmental balance and aesthetic harmony. Proposed directions include the development of green corridors, public seating, and eco-friendly landscaping along the metro route.By redirecting the funds to sustainable urban initiatives, MMRDA aims to strengthen Bandra-Juhu’s urban ecology, reduce carbon footprint, and promote equitable public spaces that benefit the broader community rather than serving a niche aesthetic vision. Officials stressed that future projects will involve public consultation and environmental assessments before approval, reinforcing Mumbai’s commitment to responsible, citizen-centric urban planning.
The decision to scrap the Rs 300-crore Bollywood-themed project marks a notable victory for citizen advocacy, underscoring the growing influence of public participation in shaping eco-friendly, sustainable, and equitable urban spaces in India’s financial capital.
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