In a dramatic prelude to the impending model code of conduct, Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde announced a sweeping vision for Mumbai – an almost 300‑acre central park, an underground sports complex, and a 1,200‑metre subway that will connect two iconic sites. The “Mumbai central park project” promises to transform the city’s civic landscape just hours before elections begin.
Background/Context
For decades, Mumbai has grappled with dense traffic, limited green space, and a fractured public transport network. The Maharashtra government has long pledged to deliver a “green makeover” and elevate the city’s infrastructure to world‑class standards. The new announcements come at a critical juncture: as civic bodies prepare to enforce political neutrality and secure the trust of voters, they also aim to showcase tangible progress that will resonate with residents and aspirants alike.
International students, many of whom rely on timely visa approvals and campus‑related permits, are keenly watching how such large‑scale developments affect their future choices – from the availability of affordable housing to the growth of research and sports facilities.
Key Developments
Shinde, addressing the media alongside Municipal Commissioner Bhushan Gagrani, unveiled the following milestones:
- Central Park: A 295‑acre green oasis will be carved out of the 125‑acre Mahalaxmi Racecourse and 170‑acre Coastal Road area. The park will feature open lawns, walking paths, and panoramic vistas of the Arabian Sea, yet no concrete will be laid on its surface.
- Underground Sports Complex: Covering 10 lakh square feet beneath the park, this multi‑sport arena will host international‑level facilities for football, hockey, and indoor games, while preserving traditional Indian sports like kho‑kho and kabaddi.
- Subway Link: A Rs 550‑crore tender has already been floated for a 1,200‑metre underground tunnel connecting Mahalaxmi Racecourse to the Science Centre Metro station via Annie Besant Road and Haji Ali.
- Parks & Parking: The Coastal Road park will include a 1,200‑car, 100‑bus parking complex, with seamless connectivity to the metro system.
- Cost & Timeline: The entire “Mumbai central park project” is slated to cost between Rs 700–750 crore, with project milestones targeted for completion by May 2026.
“We are not just building a park,” said Shinde. “We are creating a living, breathing hub that will blend nature, sports, and community life, while safeguarding the historic horse racing tradition that the racecourse has hosted for generations.”
Impact Analysis
The announcement carries weighty implications for a broad spectrum of stakeholders:
- Students & Educators: The new sports complex could become a flagship venue for hosting national inter‑university championships and training camps, presenting opportunities for student athletes to compete at higher levels without leaving India.
- International Applicants: Visa consultants will observe that improved infrastructure often boosts the city’s ranking in global city indices, potentially smoothing the pathway for work visas tied to the city’s expanding IT and research sectors.
- Real Estate: With green cover expanding, surrounding property values may appreciate, and developers could leverage the promise of a cleaner environment in marketing materials for residential and commercial projects.
- Tourism: A centrally located open space offering horse races and a view of the sea will attract both local and foreign tourists, boosting hospitality and associated service sectors.
- Public Health: The park’s design – zero surface concrete – encourages walking, jogging, and outdoor recreation, aligning with government health initiatives and reducing urban heat islands.
Expert Insights & Tips
For international students planning to study or work in Mumbai, here are practical insights:
1. Visa Processing Times: As the city’s infrastructure accelerates, embassy staff often allocate more resources to expedite student and work visas, especially for those whose projects or research tie into the new sports and environmental initiatives.
2. Housing Options: Look for accommodation near the new park or the Science Centre Metro station. Proximity to the subway reduces commute time significantly, and the upcoming parking facilities enhance the convenience for commuters with cars.
3. Networking Opportunities: The sports complex will host international events. Attending these can help students build networks, exchange ideas, and showcase skills, which bolsters their CVs, especially in sports‑management or coaching careers.
4. Environmental Credentials: If your academic program focuses on sustainability, urban planning, or civil engineering, the project offers a living laboratory. Many universities partner with municipal bodies for research grants on green infrastructure and underground construction.
Consultants at
Looking Ahead
The “Mumbai central park project” is more than a blueprint; it is a statement of intent that Mumbai will evolve into a greener, more connected metropolis. Upcoming milestones include the commencement of phase‑I road concretisation by early 2026 and the commissioning of six of the city’s seven sewage treatment plants by December 2026, which will stop untreated sewage from polluting the sea.
Beyond the city limits, Deputy CM Eknath Shinde announced parallel developments in Thane—such as a 260‑metre viewing tower, a science centre, a snow park, and an 18.4‑km green corridor—indicating a broader regional strategy for sustainable urbanism.
For international students, this momentum presents a unique window: as Mumbai’s infrastructure improves, so does its appeal as an academic hub. Prospective applicants should consider the city’s evolving visa-friendly environment, the surge in infrastructure projects, and the likelihood of increased support for student‑centric initiatives.
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