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The Navi Mumbai Science Park (NMMC Science Park) has not moved past its ‘Phase 1’ of completion even after 12 years in the making. Envisioned as a “dream project” by CIDCO in 2004, the project was officially ordered by the NMMC in May 2021 with a 30-month deadline. However, as of April 6, 2026, the ‘Science Park’ at Wonders Park, Nerul, remains a skeleton of RCC (reinforced cement concrete) pillars.

NMMC Commissioner Dr Kailas Shinde

While NMMC Commissioner Dr Kailas Shinde maintains that Phase 1 will be completed by May 31 and denies any cost escalation, data obtained by an RTI activist highlights systemic delay and a budget that has quietly jumped 25 per cent from Rs 109 crore to Rs 132 crore. “The project cost has already hit Rs 132 crore,” says RTI activist Sanchu Menon. “The deadline was stretched to December 2025, yet the administration continues to play with dates.”

Officials Speak

“I have been tracking this since 2004, when it was a CIDCO dream. We did follow-ups with Abhijit Bangar [former NMMC commissioner – 2020, 2021, and 2022], but every time a commissioner changes, the vision changes,” said Dr AM Bhagwat, chairman, Navi Mumbai Science Foundation. “The project is delayed, but it is nearing completion. Phase 1 will be finished by May 31, 2026. There is no escalation of cost due to the delay,” said Dr Kailas Shinde, NMMC commissioner.

RTI activist Sanchu Menon and Social activist Pratik Yadav

Ground reality

Despite the May 31, 2026, deadline for phase 1 completion, visitors to Wonders Park can see ongoing RCC work. “NMMC doesn’t do preliminary audits, only post-audits. This is why cost factors and durations are never accurately estimated,” says Kishore Singh, a Nerul-based journalist and activist.

Phase 2 hurdle

Even if the building is ready by May 31, NMMC executive engineer Vivek Mulye told mid-day that the tender for science exhibits (Phase 2) was floated only recently. “Deciding the agency and installing exhibits will take aa year,” he said. 

With Wonders Park becoming a major tourist hub, safety is a hovering cloud. “We remember the previous accident involving the electric ferris wheel,” said social activist Pratik Yadav. “With phase 2 construction in full swing, safety must be the top priority, not just finishing the work to meet a deadline,” Mulye added.

2021
Year park was officially ordered