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Kala Ghoda, Regal junction to get underground parking lots
BMC plans two underground parking facilities at Kala Ghoda and near Regal Cinema in South Mumbai as part of a heritage precinct rejuvenation plan. MHCC has approved the projects, with tendering underway and work expected to begin after the monsoon. The schemes feature fully automated, underground operations and are integrated into a broader master plan for the Ballard Pier to Colaba stretch, with a smart parking guidance system planned for A Ward.
Why It Matters
The projects aim to reduce roadside parking and congestion in a densely heritage-rich area, while modernizing urban solutions in South Mumbai's living heritage precincts.
Timeline
13 Events
BMC to introduce smart parking guidance system in A Ward
May 16, 2026
The BMC plans to roll out a smart parking guidance system across A Ward with digital signboards showing real-time parking availability and vacant slots at various facilities.
Narwekar stresses heritage character requires modern urban solutions
May 16, 2026
Narwekar said South Mumbai’s heritage character requires modern yet sensitive urban solutions that can organize vehicles efficiently for the 21st century.
Narwekar emphasizes addressing parked vehicles as the main congestion issue
May 16, 2026
Makarand Narwekar highlighted that stationary vehicles occupying carriage space cause congestion in South Mumbai, arguing for modern, automated solutions that fit the living heritage character.
Idea for underground parking initiated by Narwekar duo
May 16, 2026
The concept for underground parking facilities was initiated by Assembly Speaker and Colaba MLA Rahul Narwekar along with former corporator Makarand Narwekar.
Traffic management plans integrated into project design
May 16, 2026
Traffic management plans have been integrated into the project design to keep vehicular movement smooth during construction.
Facilities to operate fully underground with automated systems
May 16, 2026
The parking facilities will feature fully automated parking systems, with all operations underground and only staircases and passenger lifts visible above ground to maintain heritage aesthetics.
Interconnected plazas proposed as part of the master plan
May 16, 2026
As part of the master plan, interconnected plazas are proposed from Horniman Circle to Flora Fountain, Kala Ghoda, Regal, and the Gateway of India to improve the heritage spaces’ user experience.
Parking facilities part of larger master plan for Ballard Pier to Colaba
May 16, 2026
The two parking facilities are incorporated into a broader master plan for the stretch from Ballard Pier to Colaba.
UDAI appointed as consultant for the project
May 16, 2026
The Urban Design and Architecture Initiative (UDAI), led by architect Pritesh Bafna, has been appointed as the consultant for the project.
Facilities designed to accommodate nearly 300 vehicles each
May 16, 2026
The two underground parking facilities are designed to accommodate nearly 300 vehicles each to reduce roadside parking and ease congestion.
Work on Kala Ghoda project to begin after the monsoon; Regal junction project to follow
May 16, 2026
The Kala Ghoda underground parking project is expected to start after the monsoon, with the Regal junction project to commence subsequently.
Tendering process underway for the two underground parking projects
May 16, 2026
The tendering process for the Kala Ghoda and Regal junction underground parking projects is underway.
MHCC approves Kala Ghoda and Regal parking projects
May 16, 2026
The Mumbai Heritage Conservation Committee (MHCC) approved the two underground parking projects proposed by the BMC for Kala Ghoda and near Regal Cinema as part of South Mumbai’s heritage precinct rejuvenation plan.