New Bombay High Court Complex in Bandra Reaches Development Milestone
Mumbai is set to witness a significant step in its infrastructure development as the Maharashtra government prepares to break ground on the new Bombay High Court complex. The foundational ‘bhoomi poojan’ ceremony is scheduled for November 5th at the designated site in Bandra East.
This event marks a crucial advancement in the state’s efforts to resolve the acute space shortage plaguing the current, historic courthouse in the Fort area.
Ceremony and Leadership
Coinciding with Guru Nanak Jayanti, the ceremony will see the presence of the nation’s top judicial and state figures. The guest list includes the Chief Justice of India, Bhushan Gavai, Maharashtra’s Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, and Deputy Chief Ministers Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar.
Project Scale and Design
The state’s Public Works Department (PWD) has recently initiated the tender process, revealing an updated project budget of ₹4,217 crore, a revision from the initial estimate of ₹3,750 crore.
Envisioned as a modern judicial hub, the new complex will occupy a vast 30-acre plot. The design, led by renowned architect Hafeez Contractor and approved by the High Court’s steering committee, will offer a massive built-up area exceeding 60 lakh square feet. The facility is planned to house 75 courtrooms, each designed with individual waiting areas to improve crowd management and enhance the experience for all visitors.
Architectural Vision
The architectural plan features a striking semi-circular main building, set to be adorned with a 50-meter-high Ashoka pillar and a grand central dome reaching 70 meters. The complex will streamline movement with clearly defined separate entrances for judges, lawyers, litigants, and the general public.
Replacing a Historic Landmark
The relocation addresses the severe constraints of the existing Gothic-style structure in Fort, constructed in 1878 during the British colonial era. Originally designed for a mere 15 judges and 7 courtrooms, the heritage building now struggles to accommodate 29 courts and 35 judges, despite the High Court’s sanctioned strength having expanded to 94. The current facility faces multiple challenges including inadequate seating space, limited technological infrastructure, and severe congestion that affects daily proceedings and public access to justice.
Strategic Location and Urban Integration
The selected location in Bandra East, part of a larger 90-acre government colony near the Bandra-Kurla Complex (BKC), was chosen for its excellent multimodal transport connectivity. The site offers seamless access through the Western Express Highway, Bandra-Worli Sea Link, and the upcoming Coastal Road, making it easily accessible from all parts of Mumbai Metropolitan Region. The government has already cleared 68 older structures from the site and plans to redevelop the remaining land into integrated residential towers for government employees, creating a comprehensive judicial and administrative ecosystem.
Sustainable Features and Community Impact
The new complex will incorporate numerous green building features, including rainwater harvesting systems, solar power generation, and energy-efficient lighting. The design includes extensive landscaping, public plazas, and dedicated areas for mediation and alternative dispute resolution. The project is expected to generate significant employment opportunities during construction and subsequently boost the local economy through increased commercial activity in the Bandra East region.
Future-Ready Infrastructure and Legacy Preservation
The new complex has been conceptualized as a future-ready institution that can adapt to the evolving needs of the judiciary for decades to come. While embracing cutting-edge technology and modern design principles, the project also pays homage to its historic predecessor through thoughtful architectural elements that echo the grandeur of the original Gothic structure.
The transition from the old Fort building to the new Bandra complex symbolizes the judiciary’s journey from its colonial past to a self-reliant future, balancing heritage conservation with progressive development. The government has assured that the historic Fort building will be preserved as a protected heritage site, potentially serving as a museum or legal archives center, thus maintaining its connection to Mumbai’s judicial history while the new complex takes forward its functional legacy.
The new Bombay High Court complex represents a transformative step in India’s judicial infrastructure, combining traditional values with modern technology to create a world-class facility worthy of Mumbai’s status as the country’s financial and legal capital. The project, upon completion, is expected to serve as a benchmark for future judicial infrastructure projects across the nation while honoring the rich legacy of the Bombay High Court as one of India’s oldest high courts.
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