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Mumbai's Rani Baug to Get Rs 62-Crore Underwater Aquarium with Walk-Through Tunnels
- •Mumbai's Rani Baug in Byculla is developing a Rs 62-crore walk-through aquarium with two acrylic tunnels, measuring 14 and 36 meters.
- •The 5,500 sq ft aquarium will feature over 60 marine species, primarily from Indian waters, and include a 1-million-liter life-support system.
- •Around half of the project is complete, with glass tunnels installed; the target completion date is January 2027.
- •The aquarium is part of Rani Baug's ongoing expansion, with BMC also exploring ceiling and cylindrical tank concepts.
- •The new attraction is expected to boost Rani Baug's already high visitor numbers, alongside an expanded Humboldt penguin enclosure.
Key Questions Answered
The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) is developing a walk-through aquarium at Rani Baug in Byculla costing around Rs 62 crore. Spread across approximately 5,500 sq ft, it features two acrylic tunnels measuring 14 metres and 36 metres, allowing visitors to view over 60 marine species including colorful coral fish and Indian Ocean wildlife.
The completion target for the underwater aquarium project has been proposed for January 2027, though the final timeline depends on the progress of remaining construction work. Approximately half of the project work is already completed, with glass for the tunnels received and permanent structural installation underway.
The Humboldt penguin enclosure at Veermata Jijabai Bhosale Botanical Udyan and Zoo is being upgraded to accommodate up to 40 penguins, an increase from its previous capacity of 21. BMC Commissioner Ashwini Bhide recently reviewed this expansion alongside the progress of the new walk-through aquarium project.
