November 15, 2025: Work on the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation’s (BMC) ambitious tunnel-shaped aquarium at Byculla Zoo is progressing rapidly, positioning the project to become one of Mumbai’s most distinctive recreational attractions by early 2027. The upcoming facility at Veermata Jijabai Bhosale Udhyan—popularly known as Ranibaug—aims to offer visitors a near-immersive experience of India’s marine biodiversity.
The centrepiece of the project is a dome-shaped aquarium featuring two walk-through tunnels made of acrylic glass. These transparent passages will offer an uninterrupted 180-degree view of a curated marine ecosystem, showcasing coral reefs, deep-sea fish and other aquatic species.
Modelled on internationally renowned tunnel aquariums in Dubai and Singapore, the Byculla facility will focus predominantly on species native to India. BMC officials said the intention is to familiarise visitors with the country’s marine ecosystems, replicating natural habitats on the aquarium bed. Informational panels will also be installed to help visitors understand various aquatic species and ecological dynamics.
The civic body issued tenders for the project in March 2024, followed by work orders in May. Estimated to cost ₹62 crore, the aquarium is targeted for completion and public opening in 2027.
Alongside the aquarium, BMC is upgrading the existing Humboldt penguin enclosure at the zoo. Currently home to 21 penguins, the enclosure can accommodate 25. The expansion—adding 400 square feet—will allow the redesigned habitat to house up to 40 penguins.
Highlighting the project’s appeal, Zoo Director Dr Sanjay Tripathi said, “Tunnel aquariums are popular worldwide, and our idea is to construct the same for people in Mumbai. To date, a large number of people come to the zoo to see the penguins and tiger, but once this facility becomes operational, it will be a massive crowd puller that will give visitors a unique experience. As of now, we are eyeing a 2027 opening, and the construction work is ongoing at full swing.”
Source: The Indian Express
