The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has initiated a Rs 31.20-crore redevelopment and beautification project for Regal Junction in Colaba, aimed at enhancing pedestrian infrastructure, improving public spaces and promoting tourism in South Mumbai. The initiative is part of a larger pedestrianisation plan covering the Kala Ghoda precinct, Regal Junction and the Gateway of India area.
The BMC roads department issued the tender for the project on July 22, with August 17 set as the deadline for bid submissions. The proposed makeover includes redesigning traffic islands and medians, installing basalt and granite cobblestones, shifting the Vikrant Memorial, and adding heritage-themed street lights along with cantilever traffic signals.
As part of the landscaping plan, existing trees around the plaza will be transplanted, while new shrubs and trees will be planted to improve the greenery and overall ambience of the precinct.
BJP corporator Makarand Narwekar said the project was among various efforts being undertaken to transform public spaces in South Mumbai and enhance its attraction as a tourism hub “under the leadership of Maharashtra assembly speaker Rahul Narwekar”.
“The Regal Junction beautification project is part of the overall pedestrianisation of Kala Ghoda, Gateway of India and Regal Junction,” he said. “A one-acre public plaza will be developed opposite the office of the director-general of police near Regal Junction, which will house Mumbai’s first open-air art museum.”
Narwekar added that the proposed traffic plan would reduce the number of signals in the area from 27 to nine, helping streamline vehicular movement. The route from Regal Junction towards the Gateway of India will be converted into a one-way stretch to reduce congestion and improve traffic circulation.
“All statutory approvals for the project have been obtained,” he said. “An underground parking facility at Regal is also being planned as part of the long-term vision for the precinct.”
The project follows the inauguration of Mumbai’s first pedestrian-only zone earlier this month by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis during the first phase of the Kala Ghoda precinct beautification programme. The Regal Junction upgrade is expected to further strengthen the heritage and cultural character of the area.
Source: Hindustan Times
