Malshej Ghat to Get New Glass Skywalk and Major Tourism Development as MoRTH Seeks Forest Clearance
- Ajjay Bhagyakar
- Aug 1
- 3 min read
Updated: Aug 4
Malshej Ghat in Maharashtra could soon receive a major tourism infrastructure upgrade with the proposed construction of a new glass skywalk and development of tourist spots along the Kalyan-Murbad-Nirmal Road.
The National Highway Division, Thane, under the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH), has submitted a proposal seeking approval for the diversion of forest land for the project.
According to the official Forest Clearance proposal, the project covers the Malshej Ghat section from approximately km 84/0 to km 95/750 of NH-61, in Thitbi village, Murbad taluka, Thane district. The proposal seeks diversion of approximately 4.968 hectares of reserved forest land.
A 112-Metre Glass Bridge Along the Cliff
Proposed Skywalk Could Become a Major Tourist Attraction
The project drawings show a glass bridge along the cliff with an approximate length of 112 metres, Malshej Ghat to Get New Glass Skywalk and Major Tourism Development as MoRTH Seeks Forest Clearance.
The skywalk is planned around the existing Malshej Ghat View Point, potentially offering visitors a dramatic viewing experience over the surrounding landscape.
The proposed development is designed as more than a single viewpoint. The official layout includes several tourism and recreational facilities distributed across the proposed site.
Botanical Gardens, Adventure Activities and More
Tourism Development Goes Beyond the Glass Skywalk
The proposed master plan includes a wide range of attractions and visitor facilities.
These include botanical garden areas, floral gardens, therapeutic gardens, herbal and aromatic gardens, rock and sculpture gardens and an artisans' village.
Adventure-oriented facilities are also included in the plan, with the drawings identifying a climbing wall, adventure and sports activity areas, a proposed zip-line location and a proposed hot-air-balloon location.
The plan also includes a restaurant, washrooms, ticket counter, security facilities, parking areas, battery-car parking and an amphitheatre.
Existing MTDC Resort to Form Part of the Tourism Zone
Development Planned Around Existing Tourism Infrastructure
The project layout identifies the existing MTDC Flamingo Resort area within the broader development zone.
The proposed facilities are planned around the existing tourism infrastructure, with access roads, parking, ticketing and security-check areas included in the project drawings.
This approach could create a more organised tourism destination around the existing Malshej Ghat viewpoint and resort area.
Project Still Requires Statutory Approvals
The official proposal makes clear that the project involves reserved forest land, meaning forest-clearance procedures are an important part of its implementation.
The Forest Clearance application records approximately 4.968 hectares of forest land proposed for diversion. It also states that the project involves no displacement of people.
The application further records that the project is located in a wildlife-related sensitive context, although it states that the proposed area is not itself within a protected area.
The wildlife-clearance status recorded in the application indicates that the application to the Standing Committee of the National Board for Wildlife was yet to be submitted at the time of the filing information.
Project Estimaated at ₹200 Crore
Infrastructure Could Create a New Tourism Circuit
The official Forest Clearance form records the project's estimated cost at ₹20,000 lakh, or approximately ₹200 crore. The proposal also indicates potential employment generation associated with the development.
With the combination of a glass skywalk, gardens, adventure facilities, restaurants, parking and visitor infrastructure, the project could significantly enhance Malshej Ghat's position as a tourism destination.
Malshej Ghat Could Get a New Tourism Identity
Scenic Landscape Meets Modern Visitor Infrastructure
Malshej Ghat is already known for its dramatic mountain landscape and viewpoints. The proposed glass skywalk could add a modern attraction while the wider tourism plan aims to create a more comprehensive visitor experience.
The project drawings indicate an effort to combine nature-based attractions, adventure activities, landscaped gardens and visitor amenities within the proposed tourism zone.
However, the project should not be described as completed or under construction yet.
The current development is at the proposal and clearance stage, with forest-related approvals forming an important part of the process.
Conclusion Malshej Ghat to Get New Glass Skywalk and Major Tourism Development as MoRTH Seeks Forest Clearance
The proposed Malshej Ghat Glass Skywalk and Tourism Development Project could become one of Maharashtra's notable new tourism infrastructure initiatives.
The plan includes a 112-metre glass bridge along the cliff, botanical and therapeutic gardens, adventure activities, an amphitheatre, restaurants, parking facilities and other visitor amenities.
With the project proposed along NH-61 between km 84 and km 95.750, and involving nearly 4.968 hectares of reserved forest land, the next stage will depend on the required statutory and forest-clearance processes.
If approvals and subsequent implementation move forward, the project could give Malshej Ghat a major new attraction while creating a more structured and diversified tourism destination in the Thane region.
Author: Ajjay Bhagyakar
Published By: Griha Realty
Source: X ( Swarup Bodke )
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