MUMBAI: The BMC has started the process of taking over the 120 acres plot of the Mahalaxmi Racecourse following the deal signed between RWITC and BMC late on Tuesday.
A press note issued by the BMC on Wednesday claimed that the civic body has under its possession the land and the administration will now speed up the development of an international-standard ‘Mumbai Central Public Park’.The park will span over approximately 300 acres which includes the 120-acre plot from the racecourse and another 175 acres from the Mumbai Coastal Road Project, which is adjacent to the Racecourse premises.
The Royal Western India Turf Club (RWITC) will have around 92.6 acres of land for racing activities and a modern clubhouse. After the recent survey, the land in possession of RWITC has increased from 91 acres to 92.6 acres. RWITC sources say the club will soon present a comprehensive plan of the modern clubhouse to BMC for its approval and securing necessary permissions.
The agreement was signed around 11pm at the CM’s official residence Varsha on Tuesday night where Eknath Shinde was present along with BMC commissioner Bhushan Gagrani, his predecessor Iqbal Singh Chahal, RWITC managing committee members Khushroo Dhunjibhoy, Ram Shroff and Shiven Surendranath and club secretary Niranjan Singh.
“India’s most prestigious racecourse has been saved by our honourable CM Shri Shinde for the fortunate citizens of Mumbai. Working together with the RWITC Committee, Mr. Chahal & Mr. Gagrani, we have achieved an historic agreement that has been signed, with the lease confirmed for 30 years. This excellent example of cooperation between government and citizens is a win-win result. My dream has at last been realised for both RWITC members and the general public,” said the former chairman of the RWITC and one of the committee members who signed the deal. As chairman, Dhunjibhoy has achieved a deal with developers Pegasus in 2004 to change the landscape of the racecourse but that could not materialise then.
A press note issued by the BMC on Wednesday claimed that the civic body has under its possession the land and the administration will now speed up the development of an international-standard ‘Mumbai Central Public Park’.The park will span over approximately 300 acres which includes the 120-acre plot from the racecourse and another 175 acres from the Mumbai Coastal Road Project, which is adjacent to the Racecourse premises.
The Royal Western India Turf Club (RWITC) will have around 92.6 acres of land for racing activities and a modern clubhouse. After the recent survey, the land in possession of RWITC has increased from 91 acres to 92.6 acres. RWITC sources say the club will soon present a comprehensive plan of the modern clubhouse to BMC for its approval and securing necessary permissions.
The agreement was signed around 11pm at the CM’s official residence Varsha on Tuesday night where Eknath Shinde was present along with BMC commissioner Bhushan Gagrani, his predecessor Iqbal Singh Chahal, RWITC managing committee members Khushroo Dhunjibhoy, Ram Shroff and Shiven Surendranath and club secretary Niranjan Singh.
“India’s most prestigious racecourse has been saved by our honourable CM Shri Shinde for the fortunate citizens of Mumbai. Working together with the RWITC Committee, Mr. Chahal & Mr. Gagrani, we have achieved an historic agreement that has been signed, with the lease confirmed for 30 years. This excellent example of cooperation between government and citizens is a win-win result. My dream has at last been realised for both RWITC members and the general public,” said the former chairman of the RWITC and one of the committee members who signed the deal. As chairman, Dhunjibhoy has achieved a deal with developers Pegasus in 2004 to change the landscape of the racecourse but that could not materialise then.
