The Royal Western India Turf Club (RWITC) has announced the development of a new, high-end clubhouse at the Mahalaxmi Racecourse, near the existing Mini Turf Club. With approval in place, this project marks a significant enhancement for the members of one of Mumbai’s oldest and most prestigious clubs. RWITC chairman Surendra R Sanas, in a recent letter to the club’s over 8,000 members, shared the news of this ambitious plan, highlighting its unique features and reaffirming the club’s commitment to maintaining green spaces.
The new clubhouse will replace the defunct third enclosure at the racecourse and is expected to offer an array of top-tier amenities. Members can look forward to a range of sporting facilities, including table tennis, billiards, tennis, badminton, squash, and a swimming pool, as well as spacious rooms and dining establishments with scenic views of the race track. This project aims to position the RWITC’s clubhouse as one of Mumbai’s premier recreational facilities. Sanas emphasised that the development will avoid any encroachment on open or green spaces at the racecourse. Rather, the clubhouse will take shape entirely within the footprint of the unused stand, preserving the site’s heritage and natural aesthetics.
“This is not a new structure; we are only utilising the area of the existing, disused stand. The project will adhere to the rules and regulations laid down by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC),” he said. Sanas further noted that the clubhouse would proceed only after the necessary approvals are obtained from the BMC. This announcement comes following recent infrastructure upgrades at the RWITC’s Pune clubhouse. Sanas referenced these improvements in his letter, underscoring the club’s commitment to enhancing member facilities. Key developments in Pune included a secured 30-year lease extension, which has allowed RWITC to invest in long-term upgrades and improve facilities for members.
The future of the Mahalaxmi Racecourse land has been a contentious issue. Earlier this year, the RWITC held a public forum at the racecourse with then-Municipal Commissioner I S Chahal, who assured attendees that the racecourse lease—expired in 2013—would likely be extended by another 30 years, taking it through to 2053. Chahal also affirmed that the BMC’s planned acquisition of 120 acres would not disrupt the racecourse itself, as the space would remain a public garden or theme park. The remaining 91 acres, where the new clubhouse will be located, would remain under the RWITC’s jurisdiction. The new Mahalaxmi clubhouse, with its modern design and range of facilities, reflects RWITC’s broader vision for sustainable growth while preserving open spaces. As the project moves forward, it promises to enhance the member experience, creating an attractive recreational hub within the iconic racecourse grounds.
