MUMBAI, Feb. 20 -- Around 102 signatories from the Mumbai Architects Collective (MAC) have demanded that the fine print of the Mahalaxmi Race Course's development be disclosed, which include transparency about all proposed development rights, lease terms, FSI grants and financial arrangements relating to development works on land parcel held by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) and Royal Western India Turf Club (RWITC). Among the signatories are architects, designers and urban planners such as Alan Abraham, Hussain Indorewala, P K Das, Nitin Killawala, Rahul Kadri and Vikas Dilawari. Highlighting the proposal to build multi-storeyed buildings on land controlled by the RWITC, the collective noted that the expanded built-up area was being proposed on "an extremely valuable public land". It also argued that in open spaces-deficit Mumbai, "any increase in built-up area on public land must be justified rigorously and made public". The collective's demand comes on the back of deputy chief minister Eknath Shinde's announcement in December 2025 that the 295-acre open race course space will be developed along the lines of New York's Central Park with gardens, convention halls, facilities for entertainment and an underground sports complex. While 125 acres will be carved out of the racecourse, the remaining 170 acres will be drawn from land reclaimed for the Coastal Road. The park will be connected via an underpass to the arterial Annie Besant Road. The collective pointed out how the proposed underground pedestrian corridors permitted additional FSI and thus a greater buildable area to all properties within 500 metres of the metro stations. The MAC however clarified that it was not opposed to any proposal to redevelop and improve public access to the race course but "concerned that what is being proposed goes well beyond access - and that its full implications have not been placed before the public." It highlighted that underground parking structures and sporting facilities are capital-intensive and would permanently compromise its drainage function - "for infrastructure that is neither necessary nor environmentally prudent". MAC also questioned BMC's stand of handing over the Coastal Road to a private corporation citing lack of Rs.400 crore to maintain it but spending money to construct an underground parking lot at the racecourse dipping into its own kitty. "The financial inconsistency requires explanation. The BMC previously stated lacking approximately Rs.400 crore to develop and maintain the open spaces along the Coastal Road. We ask in good faith - if that is the case, how are significant funds now available for underground construction at the race course? These two positions must be reconciled, and the public deserves a transparent answer," MAC stated. The collective also demanded that the city frame a policy not allowing underground parking lots below green spaces and to build them only below built structures or roads. It also urged BMC commissioner Bhushan Gagrani to ensure that all open spaces be kept open and accessible to the public in perpetuity and under public control. When HT reached out to BMC commissioner Bhushan Gagrani about the status of the project, he said "one part of the pedestrian subway (connecting the Acharya Atre Chowk Metro station to Mahalaxmi Race Course and the Coastal Road's parking hub at Haji Ali) has already been approved and tenders floated"....