Mumbai BMC Invites EOIs for Rs 100 Crore Textile Museum at Kalachowki
The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has issued a call for expressions of interest (EOIs) to develop and maintain a Textile Museum at Kalachowki in Byculla East, aiming to celebrate Mumbai's industrial heritage through a public-private partnership.
MumbaiTextile MuseumKalachowkiPublicprivate PartnershipHeritage ConservationReal Estate MumbaiJul 04, 2025
The project, first conceptualised in 2009 and formalised after the National Textile Corporation handed over India United Mills No. 2 and 3 to the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), is now seeking capital and operational support worth approximately ₹100 crore. The BMC has proposed that the initiative be undertaken as a Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) venture or through direct private investment. EOIs must be submitted by July 28. With the completion of Phase 1 now within sight, the civic body is actively pursuing stakeholders who can help bring the remaining development phases to fruition.
The 44,000 sq. metre mill compound, earmarked for a “Recreation Ground-cum-Textile Museum,” is being developed in three stages. The initial phase—covering 7,000 sq. metres—began in 2019 and has included the construction of an amphitheatre, textile-themed murals, a souvenir shop, and a 3D multimedia musical fountain built over a redeveloped pond. Work on part of the second phase, including parking and improved public facilities, has also recently been awarded.
The final and most significant phase will involve the transformation of the remaining 37,000 sq. metres into a full-fledged Textile Museum complete with a public library, auditorium, art gallery, heritage plaza, and archival exhibits. A civic official overseeing the project admitted that the original timelines had been affected by funding constraints and shifting priorities—particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. “Given the scale and cost of the project, maintenance and operations remain a challenge. We’re looking at CSR and private investments to ensure the museum becomes a sustainable cultural asset,” the official noted.
Under the proposed model, the selected party would be responsible for the development, operation, and upkeep of the site for a tenure of 20 years. The BMC will retain supervisory and regulatory control, ensuring that the integrity of the site’s heritage is preserved. The civic body will also appoint a historian to curate the narrative around the history of Mumbai’s textile mills, and the architectural importance of the remaining mill structures. Additionally, divers will conduct an underwater structural survey of the basements to determine their condition and heritage value.
Experts believe the site holds immense potential—not just as a cultural landmark, but also as a catalyst for heritage-led urban regeneration in central Mumbai. Kalachowki, situated between the bustling corridors of Byculla and Parel, is home to some of the city’s oldest mill precincts. Converting this once-thriving industrial space into a public museum is expected to rekindle interest in Mumbai’s textile legacy, while offering a sustainable model for reusing mill lands that have stood derelict for decades. Urban planners and heritage conservationists have welcomed the move, though they caution that success will depend on how sensitively the development balances commercial viability with the preservation of the site’s historical character. “Mumbai has very few examples of industrial heritage being celebrated meaningfully. This project could become a flagship example if implemented with vision and community engagement,” said a conservation architect familiar with mill area revitalisations.
The BMC has also indicated that sustainability will be a core principle in the museum’s future development. Solar-powered lighting, rainwater harvesting systems, accessible walkways, and green landscaping will be integrated wherever feasible. These measures align with the broader goal of transforming Mumbai’s urban spaces into environmentally responsible, culturally rich, and socially inclusive destinations. From a civic governance perspective, the project is emblematic of the BMC’s ongoing effort to decentralise cultural investments and improve access to community-level institutions. With real estate constraints limiting the availability of large open spaces in South Mumbai, the repurposing of old mill lands offers a rare opportunity to embed public amenities into the urban fabric without triggering large-scale displacement or ecological degradation.
Although the BMC’s plan is ambitious, it is not without risks. Previous attempts to transform mill lands—whether for recreational or residential purposes—have often been hampered by bureaucratic red tape, lack of investor interest, or opposition from local stakeholders. Officials remain hopeful that the current structure of the EOI, backed by flexible funding mechanisms and heritage value, will attract credible long-term partners. The museum project also has the potential to become an educational hub, offering programmes for students, researchers, and artists. Through curated exhibitions and workshops, the space could tell the story of how Mumbai’s textile boom shaped the city’s economy, labour history, and migration patterns.
As the deadline for submissions approaches, the focus will be on ensuring transparency in the selection process and laying the groundwork for a sustainable operating model. If successful, the Kalachowki Textile Museum could serve as a model for similar projects across India—where urban heritage is not just preserved but made relevant to contemporary civic life. For Mumbai, a city constantly negotiating between its past and future, the transformation of mill spaces like these may offer a blueprint for development that respects legacy while embracing sustainability and inclusive growth.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the total cost of the Textile Museum project?
The total cost of the Textile Museum project is approximately ₹100 crore.
When is the deadline for submitting EOIs?
The deadline for submitting EOIs is July 28.
What are the key features of the Textile Museum?
The key features of the Textile Museum include a public library, auditorium, art gallery, heritage plaza, and archival exhibits.
How will the project promote sustainability?
The project will promote sustainability through the integration of solar-powered lighting, rainwater harvesting systems, accessible walkways, and green landscaping.
What role will the BMC play in the project?
The BMC will retain supervisory and regulatory control to ensure the integrity of the site’s heritage is preserved, and will appoint a historian to curate the narrative around the history of Mumbai’s textile mills.
Related News Articles
Rudrabhishek Enterprises Ltd Gets SEBI Nod for Small and Medium REIT
Infrastructure consultancy Rudrabhishek Enterprises Ltd (REPL) has received approval from markets regulator Securities and Exchange Board of India to register a small and medium real estate investment trust (SM REIT)
Danube Properties Delivers Gemz Ahead of Schedule, Mirroring Dubai's Real Estate Boom
Danube Properties, a leading real estate developer in Dubai, has Successfully delivered the Gemz project five months ahead of schedule. This achievement highlights the company's commitment to excellence and timely project completion, mirroring the burgeon
India's Home Search Trends in 2024: Insights from Magicbricks
In 2024, a significant shift in the property market is evident, especially in major cities like Mumbai and Delhi. While 67% of Mumbai buyers are on the lookout for properties with at least one parking spot, Delhi buyers exhibit unique preferences, with 20
Actress Sonakshi Sinha Sells Her Mumbai Flat
According to property registration documents reviewed by Square Yards, one of India's leading real estate platforms, actress Sonakshi Sinha has recently sold her flat in Mumbai.
Anticipating Modern Homeowner Needs: Oberoi Realty's Strategic Approach
The real estate industry has evolved significantly, driven by changing customer preferences and technological advancements. Oberoi Realty is at the forefront of this transformation, anticipating the needs of modern homeowners with innovative solutions.
Century Wintersun Achieves Rs 450 Cr GDV After Phase II Success
The rapid sell-out of Ferie Villas at Century Wintersun in Bengaluru highlights the increasing demand for luxury real estate, as the project aims to achieve a Gross Development Value (GDV) of Rs 450 crore.