Pedestrian Subway to Connect Metro 3 Station, Mahalaxmi Racecourse, and Haji Ali Parking Hub | Mumbai News

MUMBAI: In a major step toward improving pedestrian access in South Mumbai, the BMC is planning a dedicated pedestrian subway. This new underground passage will connect the Acharya Atre Chowk Metro station to Mahalaxmi Racecourse and the Coastal Road’s parking hub at Haji Ali. The objective is to ensure seamless movement between the metro, racecourse, and coastal amenities. The main subway will run from the Nehru Science Centre exit of the Acharya Atre Chowk Metro station to Mahalaxmi Racecourse, with a branch extending 120 meters. The main stretch of the subway will be 1 km long and 7.5 meters wide. Two design options are under consideration — one that connects the subway to the car park and another that doesn’t. If connected, the subway will have a width of 18 to 25 meters at the preliminary stage. To take this forward, the MMRCL will appoint a consultant for a detailed feasibility and project report. A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) will be signed between BMC and MMRCL to define roles, responsibilities, and obligations.

Two exits of the Acharya Atre Chowk Metro station are currently under consideration for the subway connection: one near Worli Naka and the other near the Nehru Science Centre. The Haji Ali Car Parking Hub, originally designed as a 2-level underground structure, has been revised to a 4-level design. It will now accommodate 1,200 cars. This redesign became necessary after the cancellation of a proposed public parking lot at Amarsons Interchange in Breach Candy. Meanwhile, 70 hectares of open space around the racecourse are being developed by Reliance Industries Limited, making it South Mumbai’s largest open space development.