Mumbai's Iconic Racecourse Gets Green Light: RWITC Clubhouse Revival After 15-Year Wait

A long-anticipated chapter is finally opening for one of Mumbai's most iconic landmarks. After a gruelling 15-year wait, the Royal Western India Turf Club (RWITC) has at last received the crucial environmental green light for its new, modern clubhouse at the Mahalaxmi Racecourse. The Maharashtra Coastal Zone Management Authority (MCZMA) has given its nod to the ambitious four-storey redevelopment, paving the way for a much-needed revival of the club's facilities.

The journey to this approval has been anything but a smooth race.

The original clubhouse, a beloved fixture for decades, was declared dilapidated by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) in both 2008 and 2011, ultimately leading to its demolition in 2011-12. Since then, plans for its replacement have been repeatedly stalled, primarily due to stringent Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) norms and the structure's proximity to the High Tide Line (HTL).

MCZMA had previously rejected the proposal multiple times, citing concerns over the new construction falling within the prohibited 15-meter buffer from the HTL.

However, persistent efforts and meticulous planning have finally paid off. The expert appraisal committee (EAC) recommended approval in September 2022, and the state body officially confirmed its clearance in June 2023, bringing a sigh of relief to the club's management and members.

The proposed structure is designed to be a contemporary four-storey building, standing 15.35 meters tall and boasting a built-up area of 15,313 square meters.

Crucially, the new plans position the building 21.3 meters from the High Tide Line, comfortably clearing the contentious 15-meter CRZ buffer that had been a major stumbling block for so long.

While the approval marks a monumental victory, it comes with specific conditions, highlighting the complex legal landscape surrounding the racecourse.

The redevelopment remains subject to the final verdict of the Supreme Court in a separate, ongoing legal matter concerning the club's lease and CRZ norms. Furthermore, the MCZMA has stipulated that the new clubhouse must exclusively serve non-commercial, sporting, and recreational purposes. It must also ensure that access to the racecourse promenade is maintained for the general public, without any discrimination against non-members.

Adding another layer of complexity is the fact that the land on which the clubhouse stands, part of a 15-acre plot, is leased from the BMC.

This lease expired way back in May 2013 and has not yet been renewed, a point the MCZMA explicitly highlighted in its approval. This lingering issue underscores that while one major hurdle has been cleared, the RWITC still has a few more fences to jump before the new clubhouse can truly open its doors.

Despite these remaining challenges, the green signal from MCZMA is a testament to perseverance and a significant step forward for the Royal Western India Turf Club.

It promises to rejuvenate the Mahalaxmi Racecourse, ensuring it continues to be a vibrant hub for equestrian sports and a cherished part of Mumbai's cultural fabric for years to come.