Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has announced a comprehensive green infrastructure plan for Mumbai and Thane, featuring a 295-acre Central Park at Mahalaxmi Racecourse.

The park will merge 125 acres of the racecourse with 170 acres along the Coastal Road, making it India’s largest urban park. The surface will remain entirely green, with only walking paths constructed, preserving the historic racecourse. “This will be the biggest gift to Mumbaikars. The historic legacy of the racecourse will remain untouched,” DEputy CM Shinde said. A standout feature is a 10 lakh sq. ft. underground sports complex designed to international standards, hosting aquatic sports, boxing, basketball, gymnastics, skating, and traditional Indian sports such as kabaddi and kho-kho, while remaining environmentally friendly.

The park will be connected to the Coastal Road via a 1.2 km underground tunnel, linking the Nehru Science Centre Metro station and parking facilities for 1,200 cars and 100 buses, ensuring smooth traffic flow.