Mahalaxmi Racecourse to Get 120 Acres of Open Green Space, Inspired by NYC’s Central Park

by Webdesk
07 Sep 2025

A year after the partial takeover of the iconic Mahalaxmi Racecourse, Mumbai’s Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has unveiled a vision to convert the entire 120-acre portion under civic control into a sprawling green zone, modeled on world-renowned parks like New York’s Central Park.

Speaking at the Idea Exchange Conclave hosted by The Indian Express in Mumbai, Shinde recalled that he had floated this idea soon after assuming the post of Chief Minister. His goal, he said, was to gift Mumbaikars a world-class open space where they can unwind, stroll, and find fresh air amid the city’s relentless hustle.

BMC-RWITC Agreement

In July 2024, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) finalized a long-debated lease agreement with the Royal Western India Turf Club (RWITC). Of the 211-acre racecourse land parcel, 120 acres have been transferred under BMC’s administration, while RWITC retains control of 91 acres until the expiry of its lease in May 2053.

Shinde assured citizens that this newly acquired portion would not be handed over for construction or commercial development. Instead, the plan is to create a verdant public space filled with gardens, walking tracks, cycling lanes, and recreational zones. Importantly, the Deputy CM emphasized that the land will remain entirely with BMC, ensuring no private developer gains any stake.

An official quoted by The Indian Express highlighted that the envisioned park would resemble London’s Hyde Park or New York’s Central Park, serving as a green lung for Mumbai while staying firmly in public ownership.

Lease and Historical Background

The Mahalaxmi Racecourse, a landmark since colonial times, has been under RWITC’s lease since 1914. Over the decades, the lease was periodically renewed, with the last agreement ending in 2013. After that, the fate of the land became a contentious issue, with debates raging over whether to preserve it as open space or allow redevelopment. RWITC’s request for a renewed lease lingered without resolution for over 10 years.

From 2013 until 2023, the BMC did not charge RWITC any rent, which further prolonged uncertainty about the racecourse’s future. Finally, in July 2024, a new lease was inked, giving BMC control of 120 acres and effectively setting the stage for the green transformation.

From Race Track to Cultural Hub

While the racecourse has been synonymous with horse racing and derby events, it has also long doubled as a venue for concerts, exhibitions, weddings, and large-scale gatherings. With its partial conversion into an expansive public park, the space will gain an additional identity—as a cultural and recreational hub for citizens of all ages.

Officials say the plan represents a rare opportunity to transform one of Mumbai’s most valuable land parcels into a permanent public asset. By avoiding commercial exploitation and real estate development, the government aims to preserve the racecourse’s character while enriching the city’s much-needed green cover.

A Landmark Promise for Mumbai

For a city that consistently ranks among the lowest globally in terms of open space per capita, the proposal has been hailed as a historic step. The promise of nearly 300 acres of connected green land, once the tunnel link is operational, could redefine the urban experience in South Mumbai.

As Shinde put it, “Ganeshotsav may be about devotion, but projects like these are about giving citizens a legacy of safety, health, and happiness. We are determined to ensure that the Mahalaxmi Racecourse remains an open space forever, just like Central Park stands as a pride of New York.”

Image Courtesy:

02 Jan 2026

BMC Elections

Mahalaxmi Racecourse to Get 120 Acres of Open Green Space, Inspired by NYC’s Central Park

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