BMC Secures 120 Acres of Mahalaxmi Racecourse

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has successfully acquired 120 acres of land at the Mahalaxmi Racecourse in Mumbai. The Royal Western India Turf Club (RWITC) will retain 91 acres on lease, bringing an end to years of conflict over the property.

The Maharashtra state government has officially sanctioned the transfer of the 120 acres to the Mumbai civic body. This land is designated for the development of a central park, gardens, and open spaces, aiming to enhance the city’s green cover and provide recreational areas for the public. The RWITC’s lease has been extended for another 30 years, effective retroactively from June 1, 2023, to May 31, 2053.

Per the terms outlined in a government press release, RWITC will be required to pay an annual rent amounting to 1% of 10% of the ready reckoner rate for lands encompassing clubhouses, stables, and other structures. The annual rent increase is capped at a maximum of 3%. For open spaces within its 91-acre portion, RWITC will incur a nominal rent of INR 1. Additionally, a daily license fee of INR 1,50,000 will be charged for non-sporting events conducted in the open space. Importantly, these open spaces will be accessible to the public.

The official handover and lease signing are expected to occur shortly. The original lease for the racecourse was granted to RWITC in 1914 and expired in 2013 without renewal, leading to protracted negotiations and disputes.

The proposal to repurpose part of the Mahalaxmi Racecourse into a public park has been contentious. Concerns were raised by activists and locals about potential exploitation of the land for commercial gain by developers. However, the issue was amicably resolved through mutual discussions between RWITC and BMC.

Despite the resolution, the process has faced criticism over the lack of public consultation. Opponents expressed concerns about potential encroachments on the club’s space. In response, BMC officials have reassured that the project will be non-commercial and emphasised the necessity of refurbishing the racecourse to mitigate safety hazards.

The acquisition and subsequent development of the Mahalaxmi Racecourse land signify a significant step towards improving urban infrastructure and green spaces in Mumbai. This project, while addressing safety issues, aims to provide enhanced recreational facilities to the city’s residents, reinforcing BMC’s commitment to sustainable urban development.