Visitors to Mumbai’s Rani Baug in Byculla could soon get the experience of walking through an underwater world. The BMC is developing a walk-through aquarium with two acrylic tunnels, with the project
estimated to cost around Rs 62 crore.
The aquarium, spread across around 5,500 sq ft, will feature tunnels measuring 14 metres and 36 metres, as reported by The Times of India. Visitors will be able to walk through the structures and view marine life from different angles.
60-Plus Marine Species Planned
The aquarium is expected to showcase more than 60 marine species, including colourful coral fish and species found in the Indian Ocean. Officials said the species have already been selected, with the focus expected to remain on marine life found in Indian waters.
The facility will also have a 1-million-litre life-support system and on-site filtration facilities to maintain water quality.
Aquarium Work Already Underway
Around half of the project work has been completed, according to officials. The glass for the tunnels was received about a month ago and installation of the permanent structures is now underway.
January 2027 has been proposed as the completion target, although the final timeline will depend on the progress of the remaining work.
The aquarium is being developed as part of the ongoing expansion and upgrade of the Veermata Jijabai Bhosale Botanical Udyan and Zoo, popularly known as Rani Baug.
Rani Baug Could Get More Aquarium Attractions
The BMC is also examining other aquarium concepts, including a ceiling aquarium and a cylindrical tank. Officials said the civic body is exploring such concepts for the first time.
A tender will also be floated for procuring the aquatic species planned for the new facility.
No Separate Aquarium Ticket Yet
The BMC has not yet decided whether visitors will have to pay a separate entry fee for the aquarium. Since it is being developed within the same premises as the Humboldt penguin enclosure, the civic body is still considering the ticketing arrangement.
Rani Baug already attracts around 7,000-8,000 visitors on a regular day, while footfall can rise to nearly 20,000 on holidays. The aquarium is expected to add another major attraction to the popular Byculla zoo.
Penguin Enclosure Also Getting Bigger
BMC Commissioner Ashwini Bhide recently reviewed the progress of the aquarium as well as the expansion of the penguin enclosure.
The enclosure is being upgraded to accommodate up to 40 penguins, compared with its existing capacity of 21. The Humboldt penguins, which arrived at Byculla Zoo from South Korea in 2016, have since become one of the zoo’s biggest attractions and a major contributor to its visitor numbers and revenue.
