Mumbai: BMC plans 5-km cycle track between Mahim fort and Bandra fort

Aaditya Thackeray. Pic/Ashish Rane

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) is planning to construct a cycle track along the beach between Mahim and Bandra forts, which spans about 5 km. The idea was pitched by Maharashtra tourism minister and Shiv Sena leader Aaditya Thackeray during a meeting and site visit on Monday with senior civic officials.

Later, Thackeray posted on social media that he discussed the plan to have a cycle track from Mahim Fort to Bandra Fort. He also directed Kiran Dighavkar, assistant commissioner of the G-North ward, to check the feasibility of the project, reports Hindustan Times.

"During the site visit, Aaditya Thackeray proposed a cycle track and has asked the civic administration to check the feasibility of this project. As discussed, it will run along the sea between Mahim Fort and Bandra Fort, along the existing road on the other side. Cyclists will be able to enjoy the view of the sea on one side," said Dighavkar.

He further added, "Only a small portion of this 5-km patch has a beach, at Mahim. In this portion, the track can run along the beach." Following up on its earlier plans to restore Mahim fort and Mahim beach, the civic body began beach restoration at Mahim Retibunder before the COVID-19 enforced lockdown period.

According to officials, the plan includes restoration of the beach, construction of a promenade, a walkway, and a watchtower, and artwork to beautify the area, along with a seaside retaining wall. In October 2020, BMC had transported sand to the Mahim Retibunder and began planting trees that are suitable to grow on the beach.