Shop owners at Link Square Mall in Bandra West, including several senior citizens, have urged authorities and concerned stakeholders to begin structural repair work at the earliest so that their businesses can reopen. The traders said they are even willing to contribute financially and take up the repairs themselves if necessary to restore the mall.
The shopping complex has remained closed since a major fire broke out on April 29, 2025. Nearly 16 months after the incident, shop owners claim that despite the insurance survey being completed some time ago, the claim settlement process is still pending and no structural restoration work has started.
The prolonged closure has affected hundreds of shop owners, employees and families who depended on the businesses operating from the mall for their livelihoods. According to the traders, the continued delay has placed them under increasing financial pressure.
Shop owners said the fire originated from premises reportedly owned by Zears Developers Private Limited, the developer of Link Square Mall. They alleged that Zeeshan Ziauddin Siddique and members of his family have held shares in the company.
The traders have maintained that their primary concern is the restoration of the structure and reopening of the commercial complex. They said they are prepared to cooperate with the authorities and other stakeholders to ensure that the necessary repairs are undertaken without further delay.
Siraj Qureshi, 55, who operates Shop No. 24, said the demand from shop owners has remained consistent since the beginning of the crisis.
The traders have also expressed concern over the impact of the prolonged closure on elderly shop owners who have limited alternative sources of income. They said restarting the repair process would provide a clear path towards reopening the mall and reviving commercial activity.
With the complex having remained shut for more than a year, the shop owners are now seeking immediate intervention to resolve the insurance-related issues and commence structural restoration.
They have reiterated that they are ready to contribute their own funds towards the repairs if it can help expedite the process and allow businesses to resume operations.
The shop owners said further delays could deepen the financial difficulties faced by families and workers associated with the mall.
Source: The Times of India
