The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) invites multi-disciplinary design teams that are capable of designing and delivering a technically demanding and environmentally sensitive makeover in the heart of India’s Financial Capital, Mumbai. There are two major components of this makeover. The first is the comprehensive makeover of the Maharashtra Nature Park (MNP) and the second is a pedestrian-and-cyclist-only bridge over the Mithi River. The context of this competition is further shaped by plans to clean the Mithi River, to develop the Bandra-Kurla Complex (BKC) and by the future urban renewal of Dharavi - India’s most prominent informal settlement. Next to creating high quality and inspiring designs for Maharashtra Nature Park and the pedestrian-and-bicycle bridge, competition entries need to show how plans will positively impact these developments. The winning entry will have to inspire and impress twenty million Mumbaikars who are steadfastly determined to restore the Mithi River to its rightful place in the city’s ecosystem and are equally resolute in making their city more inclusive, nature-loving, liveable and better connected. This holistic development is streamlined with the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan and the Smart Cities vision of Shri. Narendra Modi, Honourable Prime Minister of India, and promotes the adoption of smart solutions for efficient use of available assets that enhances the quality of urban life for all. It encourages citizen participation in the formulation of their city’s future.

The competition seeks expressions of interest and design proposals for MNP and bridge, supported by evidence of pertinent technical awareness, and relevant design expertise at Stage 1. At Stage 2, five shortlisted competitors will be asked to develop their respective Master Plans. The winner will work with the MMRDA to further develop their Master Plan in line with the statutory environmental guidelines, and other building and construction regulations up to a point that it could be delivered by a contractor.

An eminent Jury Panel will evaluate all Stage 1 and Stage 2 submissions.

The Maharashtra Nature Park

The Maharashtra Nature Park is a unique 37-acre forested park established upon a former garbage dump along the south bank of the Mithi River. Its makeover has an ambitious objective of inspiring an entire generation of Mumbaikars to respect and embrace nature and move towards greater sustainability through awareness and lifestyle choices. The makeover must significantly enhance and expand the park’s forest-like asset while creating complementary infrastructure including a new Knowledge Centre and a Riverfront Promenade. It must be holistically designed to become the seedbed for environmental education and awareness in Mumbai.

Mithi River Bridge

There are complex stakeholder needs, environmental concerns and engineering challenges to overcome in this component. The bridge design must sync with the modern twenty-first century architecture emerging on the Mithi River’s north bank at the Bandra Kurla Complex. At the same time it should naturally seam in with the forest-like environs of the Maharashtra Nature Park on the south bank of the river beyond which, it must connect to nearby transport hubs. This vital pedestrian connectivity is expected to see over 50,000 users daily and is intended to herald a new wave of pedestrian-friendly infrastructure throughout Mumbai and the Mumbai Metropolitan Region. It has a compelling transport case and will support the BKC’s growth in the decades to come. The bridge will also serve as an important feeder to the MNP.

MMRDA has organised this competition with the support of the Observer Research Foundation (ORF) Mumbai as its knowledge partner. ORF Mumbai has taken all reasonable efforts to ensure that the information on this website is accurate.