The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) is planning to inaugurate Mumbai’s first elevated forest walkway by New Year. Located in the lush green surroundings of Malabar Hill, the 482-meter-long trail offers stunning views of the cityscape and Girgaon Chowpatty.
The project, which is over 90% complete, posed numerous challenges due to the area’s topography and environmental considerations. Construction initially relied solely on manual labor because machinery could not access the steep slopes. Workers manually cleared shrubs, leveled the ground, and prepared the path. Later, customized machinery was brought in for piling work, but materials like steel and wood still had to be carried manually along the pathway.
Protecting the lush green flora is a priority
Preserving Malabar Hill’s lush greenery was a top priority. Not a single tree was felled during construction. BMC and project consultants conducted extensive surveys and altered the trail’s alignment multiple times to protect the existing flora. Originally planned to be longer, the walkway was reduced to 482 meters to minimize environmental impact.
The final structure is 2.2 meters wide and spans nearly a kilometer round trip. It is supported by steel pillars, avoiding the use of concrete to further reduce ecological disruption. The walkway can support up to 500 kg per square meter.
Work Progress
First proposed in 2020, the project was tendered in 2021 at a cost of ₹22 crore. Civil work began in 2022, with an initial one-year completion timeline. However, logistical challenges extended the deadline by a year.
Currently, the final touches are underway, including the construction of a utility room, installation of CCTV cameras, public address speakers, and illumination. BMC aim to complete these tasks by the end of January.
This elevated walkway promises a tranquil escape in the heart of the bustling city. This 705-meter-long elevated walkway will allow walkers to enjoy uninterrupted views of the Arabian Sea. The walkway’s wooden structure is carefully designed to blend with the natural surroundings, ensuring minimal disruption to water flow along the hill slopes and the movement of wildlife.
