Mumbai: After being shut during the Covid-19 pandemic and later declared structurally unsafe, Mumbai’s iconic Taraporewala Aquarium is set to return in a grand, modernised form. On Tuesday, Maharashtra’s Fisheries Department finalised the design for a new building that will replace the original seven-decade-old structure on Marine Drive.
Details On Revamped Aquarium Project
The ambitious project, with an estimated cost of Rs 296 crore, aims to transform the once-beloved aquarium into one of Asia’s most advanced marine institutions. The new six-storey building will have a total built-up area of over 20,000 square metres and will feature state-of-the-art aquatic exhibits, education zones, and public amenities.
“This is going to be one of the biggest attractions in Mumbai,” said Nitesh Rane, Maharashtra’s Minister for Fisheries and Ports. “The design has been selected from multiple submissions by an experienced international agency, and work will begin soon,” he further stated as quoted by the Indian Express.
Planned on a 4,393 sq metre plot, the new aquarium will house 12 levels including office or apartment spaces. The highlight will be a massive aquarium floor spread across 6,500 sq metres, with a main display tank capable of holding 3.5 million litres of water. Other features include a rooftop café, an atrium, marine education zones and a parking facility for 140 vehicles.
About Iconic Taraporewala Aquarium
The original Taraporewala Aquarium was inaugurated in 1951 by then-President Dr Rajendra Prasad and named after philanthropist D.B. Taraporewala. It once showcased over 400 species of marine and freshwater life and underwent a major renovation in 2015, which included the addition of a 12-foot-long acrylic tunnel for immersive viewing.
Following a structural audit in 2022 by the Public Works Department, the building was deemed unsafe and later closed. In preparation for the new facility, over 500 aquatic species were safely relocated in 2023 to aquariums in Pune, Chandrapur and Ahmedabad.
New Aquarium To Be Marine Education Hub: Nitesh Rane
According to Minister Rane, the revamped Taraporewala Aquarium will not only be a tourist attraction but a marine education hub as well. “We’re not just rebuilding a museum; we’re creating a self-sustaining institution that will attract global interest and promote marine awareness,” he said.
The upgraded facility is expected to boost Mumbai’s cultural and tourism landscape, offering an engaging experience for both locals and visitors.
