Mumbai’s Byculla Zoo To Get INR 62-Crore Walk-Through Underwater Aquarium by Early 2027
The BMC is constructing an INR 62-crore walk-through underwater aquarium at Byculla Zoo (Rani Baug), targeted to open by early 2027. Spread across 5,500 sq ft, it features two acrylic tunnels (14m and 36m) housing over 60 marine species. Reviewed by BMC chief Ashwini Bhide, the project also coincides with expanding the Humboldt penguin enclosure to hold 40 birds.
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Visitors to Rani Baug in Byculla could soon get a chance to “walk through the sea”, with the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) developing a walk-through underwater aquarium featuring two acrylic tunnels. The project, estimated to cost around INR 62 crore, is expected to be ready by early 2027, with about half the work completed.
The aquarium is being developed as part of the ongoing expansion and upgrade of facilities at Veermata Jijabai Bhosale Botanical Udyan and Zoo, popularly known as Rani Baug, the Times of India reported. Spread over approximately 5,500 sq ft, the facility will feature two acrylic tunnels measuring 14 metres and 36 metres, allowing visitors to view marine life from different angles as they walk through the structures. The BMC plans to showcase more than 60 marine species, including colourful coral fish and species found in the Indian Ocean. Parag Shah Viral Video: Mumbai BJP MLA Disguises Himself As Beggar in Ghatkopar; Here's Why.
Life-Support Systems and Installation Progress
To maintain marine habitats, the project will incorporate a 1 million-litre life-support system alongside on-site filtration facilities to ensure water quality. Officials confirmed that species have already been selected, with the primary focus expected to be on showcasing marine life native to Indian waters.
“The glass for the tunnels was received about a month ago and installation of the permanent structures is underway. While Jan 2027 has been proposed as a completion target, the final timeline is dependent on the progress of the remaining works,” said an official. Mumbai Metro Accident: Man Dies After Iron Barricade Falls on Bike, MMRDA Imposes INR 2 Crore Fine.
New Architectural Concepts and Species Procurement
The aquarium will add another major attraction to a zoo that already sees substantial footfall, receiving around 7,000 to 8,000 visitors on regular days and nearly 20,000 on holidays. BMC Commissioner Ashwini Bhide recently reviewed the progress of the aquarium project as well as the ongoing expansion of the adjacent penguin enclosure, which is being upgraded to accommodate 40 penguins, up from its existing capacity of 21.
Officials noted that this marks the first time the civic body is examining advanced aquarium concepts, including a ceiling aquarium and a cylindrical tank.
“The city hasn’t seen anything as such in the past and hence, once operational, there may be a lot of interest among the visitors to watch it, we anticipate,” said an official, adding that a tender will soon be floated for procuring the aquatic species planned for display.
Ticketing and Link to Humboldt Penguin Enclosure
The BMC has not yet decided on any separate charges for the aquarium entry, as the facility is coming up in the same premises where the Humboldt penguins are housed.
The penguins, originally introduced to Byculla Zoo in 2016 from South Korea, have emerged as the zoo’s biggest attraction, drawing thousands of visitors every week and contributing significantly to its overall revenue.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Sep 21, 2026 04:08 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
