"Dream, Dream, Dream! Conduct these dreams into thoughts, and then transform them into action."
- Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam
1 Apr 2023
A colorful overpass in Mumbai has gone viral on social media after it was transformed into a sporting complex for cricket and badminton. The once drab and unused space has been given a new lease of life, and is now a hub of activity for the local community.
Built beneath the Sector 15 Sanpada overpass in Navi Mumbai, a video of the kids playing went viral and drew the attention of other city administrators who celebrated the clever transformation of an unhappy space into one of real joy.
The overpass is enormous and over 20,000 square feet of space is available underneath. Under the tallest section, 3 courts for badminton and 1 for basketball have been built. A cricket zone with a pitch of 22 yards enclosed by a net has been created, as well as a sizable skating rink facility, running track, and yoga area.
The facilities are free to use for the local community, and have proved to be a huge hit with residents, who previously had limited access to sporting facilities.
The project has been praised for its innovative use of public space, and for providing a much-needed outlet for physical activity in a densely-populated city. The colorful murals, which depict local landmarks and cultural icons, have also become a popular backdrop for social media posts. This is part of a wider initiative to promote health and fitness in Mumbai, and to encourage more people to take up sports.