Borivali's Vibrant Street Art Scene: Murals, Railways, Community Programs

Borivali has quietly become one of Mumbai's most compelling destinations for street art, with murals that range from record-breaking tributes to community-led beautification projects. For visitors eager to explore this creative side of the suburb, knowing where to look and what stories the art tells is half the experience.

Record-Breaking Murals and Festival Legacies

The most dramatic piece is a 15,000 sq. ft. vertical mural that climbs from floor 13 to 34 of a Slum Rehabilitation Authority (SRA) housing tower in Borivali East. Its central image, a girl holding a golden key, symbolises the residents' transition from informal settlements to permanent, dignified housing. The sheer scale makes it visible from a distance, and it has become a local landmark in its own right.

Borivali also claims India's largest mural, a 120 x 150 ft tribute to Dadasaheb Phalke, the father of Indian cinema. Painted by artist Ranjit Dahiya and others during the December 2014 st+art Mumbai street art festival, the mural is a bold celebration of cinematic history. The festival brought artists from 10 countries to five Mumbai regions-Borivali, Bandra, Dharavi, Kandivali, and Powai-leaving a lasting artistic imprint across the city.

Community-Led Wall Painting Programs

Not all of Borivali's street art comes from festivals. In a large-scale community effort, nearly 500 volunteers from the NGO 'Making A Difference' painted Borivali Railway Station, giving the transit hub a fresh, vibrant look aligned with the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan cleanliness drive. This program shows how public art can transform everyday spaces through volunteer participation, and similar wall-painting initiatives continue to engage local residents.

For visitors interested in seeing how these efforts have evolved, the station's painted walls and the surrounding neighbourhoods offer a accessible, free gallery that requires no entry fee or appointment.

Trends in Local Mural Styles

In Borivali West, homeowners and businesses are commissioning personalised murals that reflect cultural heritage. Trending styles include abstract designs, botanical themes, and geometric patterns, a shift away from purely commercial signage toward art that tells a personal or community story. Walking through residential lanes, visitors can spot these newer works alongside the older festival murals, creating an evolving outdoor gallery.

While no formal street art tour exists, a self-guided route covering the SRA tower in Borivali East, the Phalke mural, and the railway station, followed by a stroll through Borivali West's lanes, provides a solid afternoon of exploration. As with any outdoor art, morning or late afternoon light offers the best viewing conditions, and visitors should respect the residential nature of the neighbourhoods where many murals are located.