MLCs question Maharashtra govt’s Mahalaxmi racecourse plan

MUMBAI: Legislators across party lines on Tuesday questioned the proposed Central Park project at Mahalaxmi racecourse, demanding clarity on whether the open space would remain freely accessible to Mumbaikars. Responding to concerns, industries minister Uday Samant assured the House govt would hold consultations with all city MLAs before finalising the project and added there would be no commercialisation of the open space.

The issue was raised in the legislative council by Sachin Ahir, who said over 100 architects have opposed the proposal. MLAs said the question was whether ordinary Mumbaikars would have full access if international-standard facilities were developed at the site.

Anil Parab (Shiv Sena UBT), Pravin Darekar (BJP) and Satej Patil (Congress) asked if entry would be affordable, what proportion of facilities would be available to local residents and if international sports infrastructure would sideline local sports. "This open space is the lung of Mumbai and must be protected," Patil said. "If 295 acres are being developed for the city's residents, there must be public consultation. A parking lot for nearly 6,000 vehicles is being planned in this area, but are the roads outside capable of handling that traffic? All these vehicles will eventually come onto the same roads. Has any traffic impact study been carried out?" Patil said.

Ahir opposed the proposed helipad in the plan and suggested using existing facilities instead. The Central Park project plans to merge open spaces along the Coastal Road with grounds of the racecourse to create a nearly 300-acre public park.

Samant said govt would organise a project presentation for all Mumbai legislators and invite written suggestions before taking further steps. The meeting would be held in the presence of urban development minister and Dy CM Eknath Shinde. He said neither the state nor BMC intended to commercialise the park's open space.