Mumbai: The Maharashtra government has decided to spend a comprehensive Rs 350 crore redevelopment plan to revive the historic Taraporevala Aquarium at Charni Road, Mumbai. The aim is to boost tourism and marine education. The iconic structure, which has remained closed since the COVID-19 pandemic, will be transformed into a world-class marine facility.

The Department of Fisheries is planning to engage an architectural firm from New Zealand to design the new state-of-the-art aquarium building. Exotic fish and rare marine species will be featured in the facility, along with modern exhibits and immersive educational zones. The revamped aquarium is expected to become a key tourist attraction not just for Mumbai, but for the entire country.

Located along the scenic Marine Drive, Taraporevala Aquarium is India’s oldest public aquarium and a cherished part of Mumbai’s heritage. The existing 72-year-old structure, spread across 4,369 square metres, includes the aquarium, the Commissioner of Fisheries office, and an adjacent canteen. A 2022 structural audit by the Public Works Department deemed the building unsafe, particularly after the nearby Coastal Road construction affected its structural integrity. To facilitate the redevelopment, the Fisheries Department offices have already been shifted to Nariman Point, for which the government is paying a monthly rent of Rs1.20 crore.

Speaking to The Free Press Journal, State Fisheries and Ports Minister Nitesh Rane said, "The Taraporevala Aquarium is a part of Mumbai’s history and heritage. We will revive it, and the process has already begun."

He added that design proposals were invited from countries such as Thailand, Singapore, Dubai, New Zealand, and the UK, with the New Zealand design currently being favored. “Our plan is to attract tourists from across the globe. We aim to build a world-class marine facility that matches international standards,” Rane said.

The department has made a provision of Rs 350 crore for the redevelopment, with additional funding of Rs 300–400 crore being considered through central government assistance. Rane emphasized that the project will be financially self-sustaining in the long term and aims to establish Taraporevala as a globally recognized marine institution.

The new facility will not just showcase exotic marine species, but also include marine research spaces, interactive displays, and educational programs for students and marine enthusiasts. The structure will be designed to complement the surrounding landmarks such as Marine Drive and the Coastal Road, blending modernity with Mumbai’s natural beauty.

Minister Rane confirmed that the target for completing the project is before 2028, aiming to turn the site into a modern attraction that educates, inspires, and draws visitors from around the world.

“This will not just be an aquarium,” Rane said, “but a symbol of innovation, sustainability, and heritage a space where people can come closer to marine life and nature.”