14 July,2026 06:26 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Restaurants and cafes in the area have been provided space for outdoor table-and-chair seating, allowing visitors to enjoy food and beverages while experiencing the neighbourhood`s heritage and artistic atmosphere. PIC/BMC
Mumbai's iconic Kala Ghoda precinct has received a major facelift with the inauguration of the Kala Ghoda Art Avenue Beautification and Illumination Project, a civic initiative aimed at enhancing the city's heritage and cultural landscape.
The project, developed by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), was inaugurated by Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Tuesday.
Speaking at the inauguration, Fadnavis said the project has created a new artistic and pedestrian-friendly destination that blends seamlessly with the area's historic architecture.
"The Kala Ghoda Art Avenue Beautification and Illumination Project has given Mumbai a new artistic district. The BMC has preserved the historic architectural character of the precinct while creating a vibrant public space that further enhances the beauty of Kala Ghoda," he said.
The inauguration ceremony was held at Kala Ghoda Plaza on B Bharucha Marg in South Mumbai. Deputy Chief Minister Sunetra Pawar, Maharashtra Assembly Speaker and local legislator Rahul Narwekar, Information Technology and Cultural Affairs Minister Ashish Shelar, Mumbai Mayor Ritu Tawde, BMC Commissioner Ashwini Bhide, and several civic representatives attended the event.
As part of the project, the BMC has beautified five roads in the heritage precinct - Sai Baba Marg, Rope Walk Lane, Dr VB Gandhi Marg (Forbes Street), Rutherford Street, and B Bharucha Marg.
The first phase covers nearly 3,443 square metres, spanning approximately 500 metres, with redesigned streets, upgraded lighting, improved pedestrian infrastructure, and enhanced public spaces.
According to the BMC, the project has been undertaken to offer citizens and tourists a safer, more enjoyable and world-class heritage walk experience while preserving the unique architectural character of the Kala Ghoda precinct.
The civic body said the revamped precinct has been designed to recreate the ambience of open cultural streets seen in several European cities.
Restaurants and cafes in the area have been provided space for outdoor table-and-chair seating, allowing visitors to enjoy food and beverages while experiencing the neighbourhood's heritage and artistic atmosphere.
The project also includes a newly developed Kala Ghoda Plaza at the B Bharucha junction, featuring grey and black granite along with basalt stone paving. Curved pedestrian pathways have been created throughout the precinct to improve accessibility and encourage walking.
To promote walkability, the BMC has announced that Sai Baba Marg, Rope Walk Lane, Dr VB Gandhi Marg (Forbes Street), Rutherford Street, and B Bharucha Marg will remain closed to vehicular traffic every Saturday and Sunday from 6 pm to midnight, with access restricted to pedestrians during these hours.
The civic body said heavy vehicles will not be permitted inside the precinct, and modern barricades will be installed to regulate traffic.
Kala Ghoda is regarded as one of Mumbai's most prominent heritage and cultural districts, known for its museums, art galleries, heritage buildings, and the internationally renowned Kala Ghoda Arts Festival. The BMC said the redevelopment aims to further strengthen the precinct's position as a major cultural and tourism destination for both domestic and international visitors.
