Finally, 120 acres of Mahalaxmi Race Course land has been handed over to the BMC to develop a central park, along with 175 acres of open space for the Mumbai Coastal Road project. The Maharashtra cabinet on Monday approved a proposal by the BMC to take over 120 acres of the 211-acre Mahalaxmi Race Course. Mumbai’s existing green area of 3,917 acres will increase to 4,212 acres after developing the 300-acre land.

The 211-acre plot at Mahalaxmi Race Course was leased to M/s Royal Western India Turf Club Ltd for 100 years. After the lease agreement expired a few years ago, the BMC has been continuously trying to re-possess this plot. “The most challenging aspect was navigating through the various legal issues, statutory challenges, and administrative difficulties,” said an official from the BMC, adding that they reached an amicable solution after thorough study and follow-up.