The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has revived its long-delayed Town Hall Gymkhana project at Azad Maidan, bringing its proposed new civic complex closer to implementation. A revised proposal has been placed before the Standing Committee for approval, with construction scheduled to finish within 28 months. The civic body expects to shift its proceedings to the new facility by March 2029.
The complex will occupy 5,951.40 square metres and feature two basement levels, a ground floor, four upper floors and part of a fifth floor. Its main attraction will be a 320-seat Corporation Hall, accompanied by a press gallery and dedicated offices for the Mayor, Deputy Mayor and Leader of Opposition.
Additional features will include a viewing gallery, rooftop cafeteria and glass dome. The infrastructure plan also provides for two-level basement parking, automated stack parking, car lifts and capsule elevators. Modern fire safety equipment, alarm systems, public address facilities and landscaped areas are also part of the proposal.
While the estimated construction cost stands at Rs 33.66 crore, five companies submitted bids for the work. D. Thakkar Construction Pvt. Ltd. emerged as the lowest bidder, quoting 12.96% below the estimated amount. However, after accounting for GST, water and sewage taxes and other applicable charges, the overall expenditure is expected to reach approximately Rs 44 crore.
The project is intended to ease growing space limitations at the BMC headquarters opposite Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus. Designed by Frederick William Stevens in the Venetian Gothic–Indo-Saracenic style, the heritage building was completed in 1893 and houses the historic Corporation Hall.
The chamber, modelled on municipal halls in Glasgow and Birmingham, was damaged in a fire in 2003 before being restored. However, increasing requirements, including seating for additional nominated members, have placed pressure on the available space. The proposed Azad Maidan facility is expected to provide a larger, modern venue for civic proceedings.
Source: The Free Press Journal
