The BMC has issued an Expression of Interest (EOI) to introduce horse carousel, featuring a seating capacity of 32, at the iconic Cooperage Ground at Churchgate in South Mumbai. This new attraction will offer an unique experience for both locals and tourists.
A carousel, commonly referred to as a merry-go-round, is an amusement ride featuring a circular rotating platform. The seats on a carousel are typically designed to resemble various objects such as automobiles, trains, and animals. Among the most popular animals featured on these rides are horses, elephants, and swans. Rahul Narwekar, the Speaker of the State Legislative Assembly and MLA of Colaba, had previously tabled a proposal to introduce a horse carousel at Cooperage Garden. In February 2024, the BMC’s Mechanical and Engineering Department prepared an estimated budget of Rs 1.52 crore for the horse carousel project.
Nearly a year later, the BMC has invited proposals from interested parties to bring this new attraction on 5,000 sq ft of land at Cooperage Ground. The project will be developed under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model, with the BMC providing the land for the installation. The successful bidder will be responsible for the design, installation, operation, and ongoing maintenance of the carousel for a seven-year period. Additionally, bidders will be required to submit a revenue model to ensure the project’s sustainability and profitability.
According to civic officials, the seats on the carousel will be designed to accommodate one child and one adult side-by-side. Makarand Narwekar, Former corporator of BJP from Colaba said, "The Cooperage Ground was historically known as Ghoda maidan, where horse rides were available for both children and adults. However, after a mishap a few years ago, the rides were discontinued at this garden. By setting up the horse carousel, we aim to restore the glory of Cooperage Ground and bring back the visitors to Colaba."
