Backbay Waterfront to be revamped into Modern Urban Hub by 2026

The Maharashtra government has started the transformation of the Backbay area in Mumbai. The goal is to turn this prime waterfront into an urban district. The updated development plan for the Backbay Reclamation Scheme was approved during the state cabinet meeting in September.

The Backbay Reclamation Scheme was first introduced in 1920 and has gotten a fresh update to meet modern needs. This plan will improve the area’s aesthetics while also working on urban issues. The main goals are traffic management, slum rehabilitation, and the creation of new spaces for tourism and recreation.

As per reports, the Maharashtra Regional and Town Planning Act requires a review of the city’s development plan every 20 years. The current plan dates back to 2001. The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority was assigned the task of updating the plan to reflect new challenges. 

Since 2001, twelve hectares of land have been reclaimed, which has created uneven land pockets. The new plan will make better use of this land. According to sources, the Backbay area is already well developed, but the new plan adds exciting features. One highlight is the proposed construction of a marina along the waterfront. 

The new public space will offer recreational activities and marine tourism. It will feature pathways, fountains, laser shows, and a scenic plaza for both residents and tourists. The marina will include docking facilities for small boats and yachts, further improving the area’s appeal.

Several infrastructure projects are underway around Backbay, including the Coastal Road, Mumbai Metro Line 3, and the Transit-Oriented Development. These projects are expected to boost population and employment growth. 

The plan also addresses slum rehabilitation. Slum clusters in the area have been identified and approved for redevelopment by the Slum Rehabilitation Authority. These areas will be rebuilt to improve living conditions and will be classified as residential zones.

For connectivity, a new elevated road will link Nariman Point to Badhwar Park. A new extension for the Vidhan Bhavan is also planned. The extension will include facilities to improve security and accommodate the rising number of representatives and visitors.

In addition to modern infrastructure, the project will focus on preserving Mumbai’s history. There are plans to restore historic sites and install markers to educate tourists about the area’s heritage. The complete project is expected to be completed by 2026.