September 15, 2025:As work on the first phase of the Kala Ghoda precinct redevelopment nears completion, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has cleared the way for the second stage. The Mumbai Heritage Conservation Committee (MHCC) has granted in-principle approval for Phase 2A, estimated at Rs 12 crore, which will focus on upgrading five key roads — Mahatma Gandhi Road, K Dubash Road, Nagindas Road, Chamber of Commerce Lane and Forbes Street.
Phase 1 work is already underway on V B Gandhi Marg, Rutherfield Street, Rope Walk Lane, Saibaba Road and B Bharucha Road. The next phase will include the creation of a new plaza and a dedicated underground parking facility for citizens. Flooring will combine Basalt Natural Finish Stone, Basalt Leather Finish Stone, Maroon Granite and Yellow Granite, while landscaping will feature bakul trees, variegated pendanus, heliconia psittacorum, purple heart and golden duranta.
Architect Pritesh Bafna of Urban Design Architecture Initiative (UDAI), which is leading the project, said the second phase would focus on enhancing internal lanes. “On K Dubash Road, existing footpaths are being dismantled for reconstruction. The aim is to improve the overall experience while ensuring Kala Ghoda retains its unique character as one of India’s foremost art districts,” he explained.
Several streets will be pedestrianised with retractable bollards to allow emergency vehicle access, while restricting service vehicles to designated hours. Plans also include reconfiguring traffic flow to expand Kala Ghoda Plaza, transforming it from a traffic island into a connected pedestrian space. However, Nagindas Mansion Road will remain open to vehicles.
Phase 2 will be split into 2A and 2B, the latter focusing on extending the underground parking facility. Former corporator Makarand Narwekar welcomed the initiative, calling it a step towards making Kala Ghoda a greener, pedestrian-friendly cultural hub that will attract visitors from around the world.
Source: Hindustan times
