Mumbai's smart city prototype gets go-ahead

Bhendi Bazaar Redevelopment Project is a Rs 4,000-cr smart city prototype

Bhendi Bazaar Redevelopment Project, a Rs 4,000-crore smart city prototype around Mumbai's popular shopping destination, has got all the clearances to start construction. The 16.5 acre project is estimated to take 10 years to complete, according to officials of Saifee Burhani Upliftment Trust (SBUT) working on the redevelopment plan.

SBUT, a community-led organisation, is behind this project to give a makeover to Bhendi Bazaar, which lacks adequate infrastructure. It is being used as a pilot for the government's city rejuvenation plan. The project will cover 3,200 residential units and 1,250 commercial tenants. In the first phase, about 4 acres of area will be redeveloped over a period of three years.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has shown interest in this project at many meetings with SBUT, an official pointed out. At the launch of the 100 smart city project in New Delhi earlier this year, Bhendi Bazaar masterplan was showcased. Also, Maharashtra chief minister Devendra Fadnavis identified it as one of the 20 critical projects in the state. A special war room has been created to monitor progress and clear bottlenecks so that the project is completed on time.

While within India, mayors of various cities are seeking inputs from the Bhendi Bazaar project for redeveloping areas under their administration, students from many foreign universities are in touch with SBUT to understand the masterplan.

Commenting on this development Abbas Master, CEO, SBUT said: "This is the moment we were all waiting for. With the support of state and central government we have received all the permissions and approvals for sub clusters 1 & 3. People of Bhendi Bazaar will see their dream being transformed into a reality soon".

The project is looking at state-of-the-art sustainable development plan with 17 new buildings, wide roads, modern infrastructure, more open spaces and organized commercial areas. The creation of new infrastructure and access to technology are expected to infuse growth and open new avenues for the businesses in the area.