Shivaji Park Set For A Major Heritage Makeover: Why Mumbai’s Most Iconic Maidan Is About To Change

Shivaji Park in Dadar, Mumbai’s most storied maidan, is headed for a major transformation. Spread across 28 acres and established in 1925, the park has shaped politics, culture, and sport in Maharashtra for nearly a century. Now, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has floated an INR 2.16 crore tender to restore, upgrade, and beautify the park, aiming to preserve its historic character while improving public use.Long known for its cracked walkways, crumbling seating, patchy lighting, and dusty red soil, the park has been in need of thoughtful restoration. The new plan seeks to balance heritage conservation with modern civic amenities, making the space safer, greener, and more inviting for thousands who use it every day.At the heart of the revamp is the restoration of Shivaji Park’s heritage identity. BMC officials have outlined a comprehensive set of upgrades that focus on strengthening both the park’s structure and its historic character. The peripheral katta—the long, low seating wall where generations of locals have gathered—will be repaired and reinforced. The old mosaic chips that line parts of the park will be replaced, and the tree basins that dot the maidan will be refurbished to improve their appearance and health. Statues, murals, and various sculptural elements throughout the park will undergo cleaning, repainting, and improved lighting to bring back their original vibrancy and ensure they remain integral features of the landscape.Special attention is being given to the statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, the maidan’s symbolic centrepiece, and to the Late Balasaheb Thackeray Memorial, where a new marble fountain with integrated lighting will be installed.Public amenities are also being modernised. New benches will replace worn-out ones, and the park will get upgraded heritage-style lighting, spotlights at entrances, CCTV cameras, bollard lights, and uniform dustbins. The plan includes repairing and adjusting drainage chambers to prevent monsoon waterlogging—an annual issue in this part of the city.One of the most significant improvements is environmental. The loose red soil, which turns into a dust cloud during dry months, has long been a major complaint. To remedy this, the BMC will lay Bermuda grass turf across portions of the ground, following expert recommendations from IIT-Bombay and the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board.Work on the project is expected to begin by late 2025, with the goal of completing it before the 2026 monsoon.Why Shivaji Park Matters: A Ground That Helped Shape MaharashtraShivaji Park is not just another urban green space—it is one of Mumbai’s deepest cultural and political touchstones.Created during British rule in 1925, it quickly became a site for political expression and public gatherings. The maidan played a central role in the Samyukta Maharashtra Movement, which called for the creation of the state of Maharashtra in 1960. Giants of Maharashtra’s intellectual and political landscape, including Acharya Atre and Prabodhankar Thackeray, addressed massive crowds here.Over the decades, it has remained a powerful stage for political rallies and public demonstrations, used by several parties to show popular strength. Even today, any major gathering at Shivaji Park carries symbolic weight.The cultural life around the park is equally vibrant. Surrounding areas have long nurtured Marathi theatre, literature, and art. The presence of statues, including that of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, adds layers of historical resonance.But perhaps the park’s most beloved legacy is its contribution to cricket. Shivaji Park is the cradle of Indian cricket, home to the iconic Shivaji Park Gymkhana. Legends such as Sachin Tendulkar, Sunil Gavaskar, and Ajit Wadekar began their journeys on its pitches. Coaches like Ramakant Achrekar trained generations of players here, turning the maidan into a legendary nursery of talent.This blend of politics, culture, sport, and community has made Shivaji Park an irreplaceable landmark in Mumbai’s identity.Community Value And A Vision For The FutureLocated in Dadar—one of Mumbai’s most centrally connected neighbourhoods—Shivaji Park serves as a daily refuge for thousands. Walkers, joggers, yoga practitioners, seniors, children, and sports trainees all rely on its open spaces. Two walking tracks—an inner track for joggers and an outer promenade—remain busy from dawn to late evening.It is also a crucial green lung in a densely populated area. For many residents, its vast openness offers psychological relief from the city’s constant noise and construction.The BMC’s revamp aims to strengthen this community role. Lighting upgrades will make evening use safer. Seating improvements will cater to families, seniors, and casual visitors. The enhanced greenery and turfing will not only beautify the maidan but also improve air quality.To ensure long-term sustainability, the civic body is expected to appoint a dedicated maintenance agency, similar to previous contracts that handled lawn care, tree maintenance, sprinkler systems, and rainwater harvesting.The renovation plan has been developed with input from residents, heritage groups, and environmental experts—reflecting the community’s strong attachment to the space.When Can Tourists Visit Shivaji Park?Shivaji Park is open daily, 24 hours, and entry is free.Visitors can explore the maidan, walk along its promenade, see its statues and memorials, and enjoy the local cafés and cultural institutions nearby.During the renovation period starting late 2025, certain sections may be cordoned off temporarily. Tourists should check for local updates or BMC advisories before planning a visit.FAQs1. What changes are planned under the Shivaji Park revamp?The project includes restored seating, repaired walkways, heritage-style lighting, CCTV cameras, better drainage, refurbished statues, and new turf to reduce dust.2. Why is Shivaji Park considered historically important?Since 1925, the maidan has been central to Maharashtra’s political movements, cultural life, and sporting legacy, especially cricket.3. How will the revamp improve the environment at Shivaji Park?The BMC will lay Bermuda grass on dusty patches, upgrade greenery, and install better drainage to manage monsoon waterlogging.4. When will the renovation work begin and end?Work is expected to begin in late 2025 with the aim to finish before the 2026 monsoon.5. Can tourists visit Shivaji Park during the renovation?Yes, the park remains open 24×7, although some areas may be temporarily restricted during the upgrade period.Back In Play: Mumbai's Historic Shivaji Park Gymkhana Returns After Major Revamp