Tue Feb 18 11:33:14 UTC 2025: ## Mumbai’s “Mumbai Eye” Ferris Wheel: A Long and Winding Road to Reality

**Mumbai, India (Feb 18, 2025)** – The ambitious plan to construct a “Mumbai Eye,” a Ferris wheel similar to London’s iconic Millennium Wheel, is once again in limbo despite being included in the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC)’s latest budget. The project, first proposed in 2008, has faced repeated delays and location changes, encountering various hurdles throughout its protracted history.

Initially envisioned as a 650-foot structure, the project has seen its proposed height and location shift numerous times. While the BMC now aims for a 443-foot wheel under a public-private partnership (PPP), suitable locations remain elusive. Previous proposed sites, including Bandra Bandstand and Bandra Reclamation, faced significant opposition from local residents and politicians, citing concerns about traffic congestion and environmental impact. The project was even scrapped as recently as September 2024 due to the lack of a suitable and approved location.

Maharashtra Information Technology Minister Ashish Shelar voiced his opposition to the Bandra Reclamation site, a stance he maintained since 2023. The project has also been shuffled between various state authorities, including the MSRDC and MMRDA, before returning to the BMC’s purview.

Despite the BMC’s inclusion of the “Mumbai Eye” in its budget, crucial details remain unclear. The responsible department, the type of PPP model to be employed, the tender process, and the final location all remain unspecified, casting doubt on the project’s immediate future. While proponents highlight the potential for increased tourism and revenue, the “Mumbai Eye’s” journey to reality continues to be fraught with challenges.

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