BMC Proposes Rs 702.4 Crore Underground Walkway to Worli Promenade

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has proposed a 1.3-kilometre underground pedestrian walkway connecting the Science Centre Metro 3 station to the Worli Promenade via the Mahalaxmi Racecourse. The civic body has estimated the total project expenditure at Rs 702.4 crore. The proposal was scheduled to come before the civic standing committee for approval on August 19.

Under the proposal, the Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation Limited (MMRCL) is identified as the implementing agency to execute the project, while the BMC will fund the entire expenditure. Following the completion of the underground vestibule, the BMC is also proposed to take over the operation and maintenance of the facility.

The pedestrian link has been planned under the Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) provisions of Rule 33(23) of the Development Control and Promotion Regulations (DCPR) 2034. Under TOD provisions, planning and development are focused on areas surrounding public transit hubs, such as Metro and railway stations. The project expenditure of Rs 702.4 crore is proposed to be financed through the premium collected under these transit-oriented development rules.

The municipal corporation plans to disburse the funds in stages based on project progress. An initial 25 per cent will be released as a memorandum of understanding (MoU) advance, followed by 15 per cent allocated for design, statutory approvals, and major contracts.

The remaining funds are structured into three instalments of 20 per cent each, tied directly to physical progress milestones of 25 per cent, 50 per cent, and 75 per cent completion.

Once completed, the 1.3-kilometre underground route will provide a direct pedestrian connection between the Science Centre Metro station, the Mahalaxmi Racecourse, and the Worli Promenade.