The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) is moving forward with the next phase of the Textile Museum at the India United Mills compound in Kalachowki, following multiple delays caused by the pandemic and shifting priorities. Initially set for completion in 2024, the project is now expected to take at least another year.
Current Status (Phase 1 Completion)
The first phase of the museum is complete and includes:
- A mural showcasing Mumbai’s textile heritage
- An amphitheater
- A musical fountain
- A souvenir store and five commercial shops
- Restored gates and grills
- A cafeteria, ticket window, and visitor seating
Upcoming Developments (Phase 2)
- Structural audit: An auditor has been appointed to assess the building’s condition and restoration costs.
- Museum and library conversion: Plans are in place to repurpose the mill structure into a textile museum and library.
- Infrastructure improvements:
- Parking spaces and public toilets (contractor appointment in progress)
- Structural reinforcement (tenders to be issued soon)
History & Challenges
- The idea to convert the 32,000 sq. meter India United Mill 2 & 3 into a museum was first proposed in 2009.
- The National Textile Corporation Limited (NTCL) handed over the land to BMC under the Integrated Development Scheme (IDS).
- Despite approval in 2019, work faced delays due to COVID-19 and shifting infrastructure priorities.
- The estimated cost of the project is around ₹200 crores.
Projected Timeline
With the new tenders being issued and structural work planned, officials estimate that the remaining development will take at least one more year to complete.
This museum aims to preserve Mumbai’s rich textile heritage, highlighting its historical role as India’s textile hub while repurposing old mill structures for cultural and educational use.
