The iconic Taraporevala Aquarium on Marine Drive in Mumbai is being revived after remaining closed since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Once one of the city’s most popular tourist destinations, the aquarium is now undergoing transformation to become a world-class attraction.
Located on Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Road—better known as Marine Drive or the “Queen’s Necklace”—Taraporevala Aquarium holds the distinction of being the oldest public aquarium in India. It is situated between Charni Road and Marine Lines stations on the Western Railway.
The aquarium was shut down in March 2020 due to the pandemic. Structural challenges posed by the construction of the Mumbai Coastal Road have further emphasized the need for redevelopment.
Originally inaugurated on May 28, 1951, by then-President Dr. Rajendra Prasad, the aquarium also hosts the Mumbai Marine Biological Research Station. It is named after D. B. Taraporevala, a Parsi businessman and philanthropist who generously funded its creation.
Speaking to the Deccan Herald from Mantralaya, the state government headquarters, Maharashtra’s Minister for Fisheries and Ports, Nitesh Rane, said: “The Taraporevala Aquarium is an important part of Mumbai’s history and heritage. We’re committed to restoring it, and work is already underway.”
Rane added that the new facility will remain at its current location but will be rebuilt to meet international standards. Countries such as Thailand, Singapore, the UAE, and the UK have expressed interest in contributing to the redevelopment effort.
The Taraporevala Aquarium complex currently occupies an area of 4,369 square meters, comprising three main structures: the aquarium building, the Fisheries Commissioner’s office, and a former building that once housed the water filtration system and a cafeteria.
After the construction of the coastal road, the aquarium building was evaluated by the Public Works Department (PWD) and was deemed structurally unsafe. Consequently, the decision was made to build a modern and advanced structure in its place.
Minister Nitesh Rane commented, “The new aquarium will not only enhance the tourism sector but will also encourage a deeper connection with nature and support educational initiatives.”
It’s important to note that the aquarium was reopened on March 3, 2015, by then-Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, featuring a 12-foot acrylic tunnel and a special touch pool where children could interact with the fish. Many species of fish were imported from Hong Kong and Bangkok.
The new aquarium will be much larger and is expected to become a major attraction in Mumbai.
