Mumbai: The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has revived restoration efforts for the 800-year-old Mahim Fort, one of Mumbai’s oldest coastal heritage structures. The civic body’s G North Ward is coordinating with the Customs Department, which currently holds possession of the site, to initiate a formal handover.
On Thursday, Mumbai Suburban Guardian Minister Ashish Shelar, along with senior civic officials, inspected the fort to review the proposed restoration and development plans.
Historic Landmark With Royal Origins
Built in the 13th century by King Bhimdev (Bhimbraj), Mahim Fort has witnessed several phases of conquest and reconstruction — from attacks by the Sultan of Gujarat in the 14th century to Portuguese rebuilding efforts in the 16th century. The black-stone fort, rising 25 metres high, once served as a crucial defense post for successive rulers including the British.
Although declared a Grade-I heritage site and state-protected monument in 1975, Mahim Fort has since fallen into neglect and encroachment. The BMC had initiated limited restoration work in 2021, but ownership disputes with the Union government’s Customs Department stalled progress.
Restoration And Structural Strengthening Underway
Assistant Commissioner of G North Ward, Vinayak Vispute, confirmed that the handover process will begin soon, enabling the BMC to carry out detailed preservation and structural strengthening. Conservation architect Vikas Dilawari has been appointed to prepare a detailed project report and oversee the restoration.
Experts from the Veermata Jijabai Technological Institute (VJTI) are also assisting with strengthening the fort’s foundation, which has been weakened by moisture and coastal saline conditions. Around 200 illegal structures near the fort were demolished two years ago as part of the cleanup drive.
Comprehensive Coastal Development Plan
Minister Shelar announced that a comprehensive development plan for the fort and surrounding three-acre coastal area will soon be finalized. “A detailed policy for the area will be implemented under the BMC’s leadership. A meeting in this regard will be held at Mantralaya next week,” he said.
The Mahim Fort complex spans approximately one acre, with adjoining open spaces extending over two acres. Historical remnants from both King Bhimdev’s reign and the Portuguese era continue to stand within the site, marking it as a vital piece of Mumbai’s maritime heritage.
