What’s changing at Mumbai’s iconic Shivaji Park? BMC floats tender for major revamp

Nearly four months after the municipal commissioner’s interaction with residents and morning walkers, the BMC has formally floated a tender to transform Shivaji Park. The move aims to address long-standing maintenance issues and deliver a fresh, cohesive upgrade to one of Mumbai’s most historic public spaces.

The civic body plans significant improvements that focus on walkability, safety, and user comfort. Officials say the redesign will combine functionality with aesthetics to better serve the thousands who visit the maidan every day for recreation, sports, and community gatherings.

One of the core components of the revamp involves removing old mosaic chips and repairing the iconic katta along the park’s perimeter. This will strengthen its structure, improve consistency, and preserve it as a key social and recreational feature for visitors.

The tender includes detailed work on tree surround platforms, ensuring uniformity and safe pedestrian movement. These upgrades aim to resolve uneven surfaces, reduce tripping risks, and add visual harmony along the maidan’s edges.

The project includes repairing existing lighting infrastructure and installing new decorative light poles. These will improve illumination, enhance safety at night, and contribute to a cohesive, upgraded visual character for the entire ground.

All sculptures and mural installations across the maidan will undergo cleaning, repairs, and fresh coats of paint. Special aesthetic lighting will be added to highlight these cultural features, making them more visible and appealing during evening hours.

Existing benches that line the maidan will be repaired or repainted, and new ones will be installed where required. The goal is to create a uniform design language, enhance structural strength, and offer comfortable seating options for the park’s many users.

A prominent highlight of the revamp is the addition of a marble fountain at Smruthisthal. This feature is expected to elevate the memorial’s ambience and offer a serene aesthetic element within the culturally significant zone.

To streamline the overall look and functionality of the park, the BMC will introduce standardized dustbins, updated signage, and modern street furniture. These enhancements are aimed at improving hygiene, navigation, and visitor experience across the maidan.

The tender also covers repairs to all gates and entry points to improve accessibility. Additionally, drainage chambers will be raised or lowered wherever necessary to eliminate uneven surfaces and ensure smoother movement across the park during monsoons.