Devendra Fadnavis Inaugurates Phase 1 of Kala Ghoda Art Avenue
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis inaugurated Phase 1 of the Kala Ghoda Art Avenue, marking the official launch of Mumbai's first dedicated pedestrian zone and civic beautification project, in the historic Kala Ghoda area on Tuesday, July 14 at 10:30 AM.
The project, which was executed and recently completed by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), has completely transformed several internal roads within the popular arts district. The newly renovated streets include V. B. Gandhi Marg, which was formerly known as Forbes Street, alongside Ropewalk Lane, Saibaba Road, Rutherford Street, and B. Bharucha Road.
Under this new urban planning initiative, these internal roads will function as pedestrian-only zones on Saturdays and Sundays. To manage traffic and ensure the safety of visitors, the BMC has installed physical bollards at the entry points of these designated streets to block vehicular access during the weekends.
The design and concept of the Kala Ghoda Art Avenue project draw direct inspiration from famous international pedestrian thoroughfares, specifically Buchanan Street in Glasgow and Carnaby Street in London. The civic body has completed extensive civil works in the area, including the laying of durable stone-paved pedestrian pathways.
To enhance the overall cultural appeal and visual identity of the precinct, the BMC has incorporated colorful murals and artistic street installations. A major highlight of the completed Phase 1 is the installation of four unique sculptures, which were created specifically for this project by talented artists from the Sir J. J. School of Art.
Looking ahead, the area is expected to undergo further developments. The BMC plans to introduce an al fresco dining facility soon, allowing visitors to enjoy open-air dining options. In the coming days, the Kala Ghoda Art Avenue is also expected to host a wide variety of public activities related to art, handicrafts, and music, as part of the ongoing efforts to develop the precinct into a major cultural attraction for tourists.
