Mumbai to Launch First Elevated Forest Walkway at Malabar Hill by New Year
Mumbai to Launch First Elevated Forest Walkway at Malabar Hill by New Year
The eco-sensitive trail offers panoramic views of the city and Girgaon Chowpatty, blending modernity with nature.
Mumbai is set to unveil its first elevated forest walkway, a 482-meter-long eco-sensitive trail nestled in the lush greenery of Malabar Hill. Developed by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), the walkway will offer an unhindered view of Girgaon Chowpatty, the Arabian Sea, and the cityscape, providing residents with a unique escape into nature. The project is expected to be ready by New Year, with over 90% of the construction already complete.
The wooden walkway, designed to harmonize with its natural surroundings, is built along steep slopes with a minimal impact on the local flora and fauna. The deck ensures unobstructed water flow along the hill slopes and allows wildlife to move freely. Entry and exit points are located at Siri Road, behind Kamala Nehru Park, making it easily accessible for visitors.
Spanning a total length of 705 meters, the 2.2-meter-wide pathway has a bearing capacity of 500 kg per square meter. Walkers can enjoy the scenic beauty of the forest while experiencing a seamless blend of nature and urban infrastructure.
The Rs 22-crore project, initially proposed in 2020, faced significant challenges during its construction. The site’s steep terrain and eco-sensitive requirements necessitated manual labor in its early stages. Laborers had to clear shrubs, flatten the ground, and carry equipment by hand due to the area’s inaccessibility. Special noise-minimizing machinery was later used to minimize disturbances, and work was restricted to daylight hours to protect wildlife.
According to one of the project consultants, “Inaccessible terrain made piling work particularly challenging. Equipment and materials, including wood and steel, had to be manually transported up the pathway.” Despite these difficulties, the BMC ensured that not a single tree was cut down during construction, preserving Malabar Hill’s rich biodiversity.
The final phase includes installing CCTV cameras, a public address system, lighting, and a utility room, with all work slated for completion by January 2024. Once open, the walkway will not only offer a serene retreat but also symbolize Mumbai’s commitment to sustainable urban development.
The trail represents a perfect balance of nature and modernity, creating an environmentally conscious space that caters to both recreation and conservation.
