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The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) in Mumbai is set to transform the area surrounding the iconic Gateway of India monument to offer an unobstructed view. This project will involve the removal of the current plaza and the relocation of structures like food stalls and security cabins. The BMC will collaborate with the state archaeology department to preserve the Grade-1 heritage structure. The estimated cost for the new plaza is Rs 9.54 crore ($1.3 million), while the restoration of the monument will cost Rs 7 crore ($950,000).
The Gateway of India is a popular landmark in Mumbai, but visitors often struggle to enjoy an unobstructed view due to the presence of haphazardly arranged structures like food stalls, a ticketing counter, and security cabins. To rectify this issue, the BMC plans to create a new plaza adjacent to the monument, allowing an uninterrupted view of both the Gateway of India and the historic statue of Shivaji Maharaj.
As part of this integrated project, the BMC intends to clear the existing plaza area at the entrance to the Gateway of India to a more organized layout on the left side of the footpath, enhancing the overall aesthetics of the site. The state archaeology department will be responsible for the restoration of the heritage structure. Abha Narain Lambah has been appointed as the consultant for this project. Her involvement dates back to 2021 when she was commissioned by the then principal secretary of tourism, Valsa Nair, to address the area's current shabbiness and visual clutter around the iconic monument.
To restore the line of sight, all the structures in the current plaza will be removed. This includes relocating the five portable cabins along the footpath to the left side. These cabins will be transformed into more organized structures, serving various purposes such as security, shops, restrooms, and a ticket counter. Additionally, a shaded corridor and a small courtyard will be added for visitors to stand in queue and enjoy their surroundings.
The estimated cost for constructing the new plaza is Rs 9.54 crore, while the restoration of the monument will require Rs 7 crore. The land beneath the monument itself falls under the jurisdiction of the Mumbai Port Authority (MbPA), whereas the land parcel hosting the existing plaza and structures is under the purview of BMC. This comprehensive development plan has been the result of numerous meetings and coordinated efforts between the Mumbai Port Authority, state archaeology department, BMC, the police, and the tourism department. It aims to enhance the visitor experience and ensure that the Gateway of India remains a symbol of Mumbai's rich heritage and culture.
The exact commencement date of the project has not been disclosed, tenders have been issued to select contractors for both the plaza construction and monument restoration.
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