In a significant last-minute announcement ahead of the enforcement of the election model code of conduct, Maharashtra's Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde unveiled a series of major infrastructure projects for Mumbai and Thane. The announcements were made alongside Municipal Commissioner Bhushan Gagrani in Mumbai on Monday.
Mumbai's Grand Green Lung: The 295-Acre Central Park
Eknath Shinde detailed plans for a massive 295-acre central park that will integrate open spaces from the iconic Mahalaxmi Racecourse and the newly constructed Coastal Road. The park will be developed on approximately 125 acres of racecourse land and an additional 170 acres from the Coastal Road area.
Shinde emphasized that there will be no concrete construction on the surface, ensuring the entire area remains a green zone. "Visitors will be able to watch horse racing while walking inside the park. Except for walking paths, there will be no construction on the surface—the entire area will remain a green park," he assured. The project has been designed by renowned architect Hafeez Contractor.
Underground Connectivity and Sports Complex
A key feature of the project is the extensive underground connectivity. A tender worth Rs 550 crore has been floated for a 1,200-metre-long subway that will link the two sites and connect to the Science Centre Metro station. Municipal Commissioner Bhushan Gagrani explained that the metro station will be linked to the central park via an underground passage extending through Annie Besant Road to Haji Ali, connecting to parking facilities and the Coastal Road.
Beneath this vast park, a world-class underground sports complex spanning 10 lakh square feet will be constructed. This facility will host international-level sports amenities and traditional Indian games like kho-kho and kabaddi. The total cost for the central park and the sports complex is estimated to be between Rs 700 and Rs 750 crore.
The upcoming Coastal Road parking facility, integral to this plan, will have a capacity for 1,200 cars and 100 buses.
Other Key Civic Projects for Mumbai
Shinde also provided updates on other crucial infrastructure works in the financial capital. He stated that a substantial portion of the Phase I and II road concretisation works will be completed by May 2026.
In a major push for environmental sustainability, the deputy chief minister announced that six out of seven upcoming sewage treatment plants (STPs) in Mumbai are slated to be ready by December 2026. This initiative aims to halt the flow of untreated sewage into the sea.
Mega Development Plan for Thane
Beyond Mumbai, Shinde outlined an ambitious development blueprint for Thane, his home constituency. The proposals include a 260-metre-tall viewing tower, which will be the tallest in India, to be built on 50 acres along the Thane Creek.
The comprehensive plan for Thane features several other projects:
- A convention centre at Kasarvadavli.
- A 25-acre town park at Kolsheth.
- An Agri–Koli museum and a science centre.
- An international-standard snow park, amusement park, and adventure park.
- A bird sanctuary on 12.5 acres.
- A musical concert centre on 25 acres.
- An ultra-modern sports complex on 50 acres.
Additionally, the Thane Municipal Corporation will develop an 18.4 km 'Anandvan Green Corridor', connecting the Sanjay Gandhi National Park near the Mira-Bhayandar boundary.
These sweeping announcements were made just hours before the model code of conduct for elections came into effect at 4 pm on Monday, marking a significant pre-poll infrastructure push by the state administration.
