BMC plans Gateway of India-like tourist precinct around Mahim Fort

The centuries-old Mahim Fort. FILE PIC/ASHISH RAJE

With work on the restoration of the Mahim Fort set to begin soon, the BMC is now pushing for a larger plan to create a Gateway of India-like tourist precinct at Mahim, taking into account the area within a 500-metre radius.

The 800-year-old Mahim Fort borders the sea near Mahim Koliwada. FILE PIC/SHADAB KHAN

A larger area around the fort will be developed, including the area up to Mahim Koliwada, Mahim police station, Mahim beach and its seafood plaza, and the adjacent land parcel owned by the Collector, which currently houses bamboo and furniture shops. The BMC has approached the collector's office to recce this portion of the area and understand how many of the existing shops are authorised.

About Mahim Fort

Dating back to the 13th century, the Mahim Fort is strategically located at the south-end of Mahim beach, overlooking the Arabian Sea. While it is temporarily closed for tourists, it can be accessed via Mahim beach, as well as a road near Mahim Dargah, off Swatantryaveer Savarkar Road (old Cadell Road).

Plans for Mahim Fort

The BMC and the Customs Department are in the final stages of signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the restoration of the fort. A comprehensive revamp will be undertaken by BMC and Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) for the restoration of the fort.

Plans for area

>> Opening of watchtower for aerial view of Bandra-Worli Sea Link
>> Beach promenade
>> Boost to cultural tourism, with seafood plaza
>> Religious tourism, with Mahim Church and Mahim Dargah in area
>> Heritage tourism with Mahim Fort

Official Speak

Vinayak Vispute, Assistant commissioner, G North ward
‘The project will require multi-agency coordination. We have written to the Mumbai Collector to understand the status of the shops adjoining the seafood plaza, and we will draft a comprehensive plan with stakeholders involved. The concept is to create a wholesome precinct surrounding the Mahim Fort, for tourism and leisure purposes, similar to the precinct at the Gateway of India.'

500 Metres
Area around Mahim Fort that will be developed