BMC to revamp city’s iconic 28-acre playground with better pathways, seating, lighting, and a plan to fight red soil dust; popular among joggers, walkers, and recreation-seekers from Colaba to Bandra, the park is about to undergo long-overdue beautification and infrastructure improvements
Visitors enjoy an evening walk at Shivaji Park, which is set to get a heritage-themed makeover with better pathways, seating, and lighting. File PIC/SHADAB KHAN
The heritage precinct of Shivaji Park, one of Mumbai’s most iconic open spaces, is set for a major facelift under a Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) project aimed at restoring and upgrading the area. Popular among joggers, walkers, and recreation-seekers from Colaba to Bandra, the park is about to undergo long-overdue beautification and infrastructure improvements.
Spanning nearly 28 acres with a 1.3-km promenade, Shivaji Park is the largest open space in Mumbai’s Island City. It is surrounded by several longstanding tenants such as gymnasiums and yoga centres, the most notable being the Shivaji Park Gymkhana. Unique among Mumbai’s open spaces, the park offers dual walking pathways, one along the outer footpath and another inner route specifically for joggers. Many of the trees lining the park are over 80 years old, according to local residents.
Theme of revamp
The renovation will follow a heritage-conscious design, with the aim of enhancing usability, pedestrian accessibility, and aesthetic appeal. “In line with the historic importance of the park, efforts will be made to maintain uniform heritage aesthetics,” said officials.
Timeline
The project is expected to start in October or November this year and will be completed within nine months, before the monsoon season of 2026. Vinayak Vispute, assistant commissioner of G North ward, said, “We’re in the process of floating tenders so that paperwork is completed before the rains. Work on the ground will begin in the dry season.
To maintain the park’s heritage identity, BMC will take strict action against tenants or vendors who violate the aesthetics or carry out unauthorised commercial activity. “Only civic-licensed activity will be allowed within the precinct,” said Vispute.
Addressing dust pollution
On Tuesday, Municipal Commissioner Bhushan Gagrani visited Shivaji Park and met residents concerned about red soil dust pollution. He promised a long-term solution in consultation with IIT-Bombay experts. “We will arrive at a plan through scientific assessment and regular citizen feedback,” Gagrani told mediapersons.
As a test measure, BMC began laying American Bermuda grass, suitable for high-footfall sports fields, on two plots covering 200 square metres on June 18. The test, done in line with Maharashtra Pollution Control Board directives and based on an IIT-B report, will guide the decision on whether to extend grass turfing across the entire park.
Project highlights
- BMC will upgrade key utilities and structures across the precinct, including:
- Renovation of the jogging pathway around the park
- Replacement of tiled seating areas (‘katta’) with reinforced concrete for heritage alignment
- Upgraded tree guards and footpaths
- Improved fencing and netting along the periphery
- Restoration of statues depicting various sports at park entrances
- Installation of improved lighting across the area
- New benches, poles, and visitor urinals
- Restoration of the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj statue
- Restoration of the historic Manora tower at the entrance
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