BMC Acquires Majority Land of Mahalaxmi Racecourse; Turf Club's Lease Extended for 30 Years

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has acquired 120 acres of land at the Mahalakshmi racecourse in mumbai; whereas Royal Western India Turf Club (RWITC) will retain the remaining 91 acres on lease. This ends the conflict of many years over the property.

The state government approved the transfer of 120 acres to the Mumbai civic body. The land is approved for the development of a central park, gardens, and open spaces. RWITC's lease is now extended for another 30 years, retroactively from June 1, 2023, to May 31, 2053. 

According to a government press release, RWITC will pay an annual rent of 1% of 10% of the ready reckoner rate for land with clubhouses, stables, and other structures. There will be annual rent increases of no more than 3%. 

For open spaces within its 91-acre portion, RWITC will pay a nominal rent of INR 1. The government will charge a daily license fee of INR 1,50,000 for non-sporting events held in the open space. The public will have general access.

Soon, the lease will be signed, and the land will be handed over. The racecourse's lease was originally granted to the RWITC in 1914. It expired in 2013 and was not renewed. 

Aaditya Thackeray commented about his position on the matter through X. He criticised the BJP-Mindhe regime's handling of public spaces. He promised to restore the area to its original state if his party gained power.

He further demanded, "No theme park. No construction above or below ground. No damage to heritage structures. And for Willingdon Club: No addition to members or change in structure as bullied into by the illegal contractor mantri (CM).”

The proposal to convert part of the Mahalaxmi Racecourse into a park has been controversial. Activists and locals feared developers might exploit the land for profit. The matter was resolved through mutual discussion between RWITC and BMC. 

There was criticism over the lack of public consultation. The opposition raised concerns about intruding on the club's space. Despite promises of non-commercial use, BMC defended the project. They highlighted the need to renovate the racecourse to reduce safety issues.