The newest open space in Mumbai: Inside Thane’s 25-acre NaMo Grand Central Park

Spread across 25 acres — 20.5 acres of which is functional and 4.5 acres is underdevelopment — the landscape designed by Thailand based Landscape Architects 49 (L49) and developed by real estate developer Kalpataru caters to visitors of all ages and interests.

Spread across 25 acres — 20.5 acres of which is functional and 4.5 acres is underdevelopment — the landscape designed by Thailand based Landscape Architects 49.

During visits to the park, children were observed enjoying ziplining, splash pads, and tree houses, while couples strolled leisurely and elderly visitors relaxed or played with their grandchildren. Teenagers gathered for jamming sessions — the amphitheatre here also sees musicians putting up a performance on weekends — or engaged in lively conversations, and almost everyone could be seen taking selfies, especially inside the four themed gardens inspired by Moroccan, Chinese, Japanese, and Mughal designs. The picturesque three-acre lake with an overhead bridge, also served as a popular backdrop for photoshoots.

For many visitors like Sanjana Jagtap, 42, the decision to visit was inspired by videos on YouTube and Instagram. “We saw it on Instagram, the plan was in the making for 10 days,” said Jagtap, who works at an Ayurvedic clinic in Ghatkopar and came with her colleagues, making it an all-women evening. While they didn’t mind the hour-long commute, they complained about the distance between the park and the station. “It is quite far from Thane station and finding an auto is also challenging and expensive,” she added.

Two groups of girls, one from Sion and another from Kalyan, all in their early 20s, also had a similar story to tell. “We saw it on Instagram reels and today we are here, hopefully to make our own reels,” laughed Jelin, 24, who works in a bank and had come with her childhood friends.  The park’s themed gardens, skate park, fitness station, adventure zone, basketball and tennis courts, and picturesque lake provide ample opportunities for content creation.

The picturesque three-acre lake with an overhead bridge, also served as a popular backdrop for photoshoots.

For Shobha, who lives in the vicinity, it was an opportunity to bring his London-based colleague who was in the city for work to a place that’s modelled on the lines of New York’s Grand Central Park and London’s Hyde Park in London.

“There are so many people here and yet it is so peaceful,” shared Shobha, who is very pleased to see a park of this size in her neighbourhood. “We should have more of such parks,” she said, adding that the only thing missing here is perhaps a coffee shop. “I am very happy with the facility of water purifiers available here at various points,” she added.

In another corner, Shubham Parkhe, 27, could be seen engaged in a tight chess match with a young boy. “I enjoy playing chess. So when I saw this guy wanting to play a match, I was quick to come on board,” he said, adding that the park is very engaging, especially for children.

Minimal ticket prices, Rs 20 on weekdays and Rs 30 on weekends for adults, Rs 10 for senior citizens, and free entry for children up to 14, attract many visitors. (Express photos by Heena Khandelwal)

This sentiment was echoed by many parents. For Vihang Patel, a resident of Mulund, the idea was to take his son to an outdoor space where he can be engaged in a series of activities.

Minimal ticket prices, Rs 20 on weekdays and Rs 30 on weekends for adults, Rs 10 for senior citizens, and free entry for children up to 14, attracted many visitors. Kanchan Prajapati, 34, happy about the free entry for children, brought her daughters and neighbours to enjoy the play zone.

Unlike most who had come for the first time, Manpreet Singh, 23, who lives about 3 kilometres away from the Central Park has been a frequent visitor. “I came with my friends initially,” said the student of hotel management, adding, “We played chess and hung around.

Today, I have brought my cousins here and they have been enjoying the rides.” When asked what stands out for him, he shared that while he likes the vibe, he is also very happy with the fact that food is not allowed. “That really helps in keeping this place clean,” he shared, adding that he has also noticed the guards being strict against people spitting out pan masala. It is for frequent visitors like him that the park has begun to issue monthly passes.

During visits to the park, children were observed enjoying ziplining, splash pads, and tree houses. (Express photos by Heena Khandelwal)

From a spokesperson, we learnt that there is a fine of Rs 500 on spitting, and the visitors are also not allowed to bring in food or plastic water bottles. “We allow steel or glass water bottles, which the visitors are unlikely to dump. The plastic water bottles are kept outside and we have partnered with an NGO who recycles pet bottles to recycle them,” said a spokesperson, adding that over four lakh visitors have visited the park since its inauguration by Maharashtra CM Eknath Shinde. The highest number — an approx 22,000 visitors — were seen on March 3, 2024, which was a Sunday.

To ensure a seamless experience, the park boasts ample parking space and a substantial team to manage its various areas. This team includes 22 individuals overseeing traffic management, seven staff members operating the ticketing counter, and around 150 personnel maintaining the park’s upkeep and ensuring its smooth operation.

Despite positive feedback, some visitors, like Girish Desai, faced issues with ticket availability for senior citizens. “I had an ID proof but I was told that they have run out of tickets for senior citizens. I was okay with paying extra and getting a regular ticket but this also means that the golf cart meant for elderly and specially abled people chose not to give me a ride even though I have an ID proof,” he rued.

Going forward, the Central Park, currently being maintained by Kalpataru, looks at hosting cultural and sporting events, which they say would make it more vibrant while also helping in generating revenue. Operational hours: 6 am to 11 am and 1 pm to 9 pm, all days except Mondays