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Changing city: Work on BMC’s ambitious tunnel aquarium project at Byculla Zoo underway at a fast pace, set to open in 2027

The dome-shaped aquarium at Byculla Zoo will feature 2 walk-through tunnels constructed with acrylic glass, allowing visitors an unhindered 180-degree view of the marine ecosystem, which includes coral reefs and deep ocean fish.

The BMC is set to construct a tunnel-shaped aquarium in Veermata Jijabai Bhosale Udhyan, also known as Ranibaug or Byculla ZooThe BMC is set to construct a tunnel-shaped aquarium in Veermata Jijabai Bhosale Udhyan, also known as Ranibaug or Byculla Zoo. (File Photo)

In a massive push to Mumbai’s amusement infrastructure, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) is set to construct a tunnel-shaped aquarium in Veermata Jijabai Bhosale Udhyan, also known as Ranibaug or Byculla Zoo.

About the project:

The dome-shaped aquarium will feature two walk-through tunnels constructed with acrylic glass, allowing visitors an unhindered 180-degree view of the marine ecosystem, which includes coral reefs and deep ocean fish.

Features of the aquarium:

The facility will primarily showcase fish species native to India, modelled after similar tunnel aquariums that are currently operational in Dubai and Singapore. BMC officials stated that the goal of the project is to popularise India’s marine ecosystem. Additionally, the bed of the aquarium will replicate the natural habitat found in the water bodies in the subcontinent. Information plates will be installed to educate visitors about the marine ecosystem.

Cost, status, timeline:

The BMC floated tenders for the project in March 2024, with work orders dispatched in May this year. The cost of the project is pegged at Rs 62 crore, and the municipal body aims to open the facility to visitors by early 2027.

New penguin facility:

Besides, the BMC is expanding the existing enclosure in Byculla Zoo for the Humboldt penguins. Currently, there are 21 penguins in the zoo, which is equipped to house a maximum of 25. The new enclosure will be augmented by 400 square feet, allowing it to house 40 penguins.

Administration speaks:

“Tunnel aquariums are popular worldwide, and our idea is to construct the same for people in Mumbai. To date, a large number of people come to the zoo to see the penguins and tiger, but once this facility becomes operational, it will be a massive crowd puller that will give visitors a unique experience. As of now, we are eyeing a 2027 opening, and the construction work is ongoing at full swing,” Dr Sanjay Tripathi, Zoo Director, told The Indian Express.

Pratip Acharya is a seasoned journalist based in Mumbai reporting for The Indian Express. With a career spanning over a decade, his work demonstrates strong Expertise and Authority in critical urban issues, civic affairs, and electoral politics across Eastern and Western India. Expertise & Authority Current Role: Journalist, The Indian Express (IE), reporting from Mumbai. Core Authority: Pratip's reporting focuses sharply on local democracy and development, specializing in: Urban Governance and Civic Affairs: Providing in-depth analysis of municipal decision-making, city planning, and local infrastructure, essential for informed urban reporting. City Politics and Environment: Covering the political dynamics of Mumbai and surrounding areas, alongside critical environmental challenges impacting the metro region. Electoral Coverage (High-Stakes Experience): He has extensive experience in high-stakes political reporting, having covered major elections, establishing his Trustworthiness in political analysis: National: Lok Sabha elections in 2014 and 2019. State: West Bengal Assembly elections in 2016 and Maharashtra Assembly elections in 2019. Major Assignments (Ground Reporting): Pratip demonstrated commitment during crises by conducting ground reporting throughout the Covid-19 pandemic since its breakout in 2020, offering first-hand accounts and analysis of the public health crisis. Experience Extensive Experience: Starting his career in 2014, Pratip has built his foundation across multiple prominent English dailies: Started at The Times of India in Kolkata (2014). Relocated to Mumbai (2016) and worked with The Free Press Journal and Hindustan Times before joining The Indian Express. Pratip Acharya's diverse experience across major publications, coupled with his specialized focus on the intricate details of urban governance and a track record of covering major electoral and health crises, establishes him as a trusted and authoritative source for news from India's critical metropolitan centres. ... Read More

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