Mumbai’s first elevated forest walkway likely to open by New Year – See Pictures and Details
A glimpse of Mumbai's first elevated forest walkway, offering breathtaking views of the Malabar Hill forest and the Arabian Sea, set to open by New Year
Mumbai is soon going to witness a unique project – the city’s first elevated forest walkway, coming up on Malabar Hill. The walkway is inspired by Singapore’s famous elevated forest walkway and will pass through the dense forests of Malabar Hill. It aims to connect Kamala Nehru Park with the lush green forests of Dungarwadi. The walkway will not only provide the city dwellers with a unique experience of walking amidst nature, but also give them an opportunity to enjoy the sea view.
Features of the Walkway
The walkway is being built from wood, with minimal concrete used in the structure. The design aims to maintain the natural flow of water on the slopes of the hill and ensure the movement of wildlife without any disturbance. The walkway will be 705 metres in length, and will have various entry and exit points, one of which will be right behind Kamala Nehru Park near Siri Road. The walkway will provide an uninterrupted experience of the beautiful views of the Arabian Sea.
Additionally, the walkway will also have a bird watching area and a glass-bottom viewing deck, allowing people to see the birds up close. This walkway will prove to be a wonderful place for wildlife lovers and nature enthusiasts.
Project Cost and Progress
The cost of building this walkway is Rs 25 crore. Currently, the civil work of the project is about 90 percent complete. The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) plans to open this walkway to the public by New Year. However, the remaining construction work such as electrical connections, painting, toilets and ticket counters are still underway.
The tender for this project was awarded in 2021 for Rs 22 crore and civil works began in 2022. The cost of construction increased due to taxes including GST and reached Rs 25 crore. Due to the silent zone status of Malabar Hill, construction work could be done only in limited hours, which increased the project timeline by more than two years.
This will be a wonderful gift for the citizens of Mumbai, which will not only provide them with a unique experience but will also contribute to the environmental conservation of the city.
