Mumbai's Metamorphosis

From the Coastal Road to Metro, the city is transforming at a frenetic pace. While the projects increase connectivity, experts warn about the toll on ecology

- By SIDDHANT KONDUSKAR

Barely hours before the model code of conduct came into effect before the civic elections in Mumbai, Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde proposed a 295-acre Central Park at the Mahalaxmi Racecourse. As per the announcement last December, the green, open public space will have walking and jogging tracks as well as a 10-lakh sq ft underground sports complex of international standards. Around 175 acres is to be reclaimed near the Worli/Haji Ali area around the Coastal Road and integrated with the Mahalaxmi Racecourse for the project.

The December announcement was just the latest in a series of plans related to infrastructure projects for what Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis describes as a “future-ready city”. Over the last year or so, several projects, from the Coastal Road connecting South Mumbai to the Bandra-Worli Sea Link and the underground Aqua Line of the Mumbai Metro to the recently-inaugurated Navi Mumbai airport and Atal Setu— India’s longest sea bridge—have changed the way the city moves.

More metro lines are being completed and there are other projects and metros proposed, including one connecting the older Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport with the Navi Mumbai airport, which will reduce travel time between the two to 30 minutes from over two hours. “Together with Mumbai’s expanding metro corridors, the city is building a future-ready transport ecosystem that strengthens its momentum and its identity as India’s financial capital,” says Ashwini Bhide, managing director of the Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation who was also recently appointed as the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) commissioner.