India’s oldest public aquarium, Mumbai’s 72-YO Taraporevala Aquarium set for a ₹296 cr revamp

Mumbai’s beloved Taraporevala Aquarium, shuttered since the pandemic, is set for a grand revival with a ₹296 crore redevelopment plan. The 72-year-old landmark at Marine Drive, India’s oldest public aquarium, will be transformed into a world-class marine facility, blending heritage with cutting-edge design.

Inaugurated by President Rajendra Prasad in 1951, the aquarium is set for a complete transformation after a 2022 structural audit deemed the 72-year-old building unsafe. The ongoing Coastal Road construction further weakened the structure, prompting its evacuation in 2023.

Shut since 2020, the aquarium will be replaced by a futuristic 12-storey complex featuring a massive 3.5-million-litre central tank, immersive marine exhibits, and dedicated research and education zones. Spanning 20,000 square meters, the new facility will also include a rooftop café and parking for 140 vehicles.

Over 500 aquatic species have been safely relocated to aquariums in Pune, Chandrapur, and Ahmedabad during the transition. Designed to be financially self-sustaining, the revamped aquarium promises to be a marine landmark on Marine Drive.