The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has invited bids for the second phase of the Kala Ghoda precinct redevelopment project, with an estimated cost of Rs 9.23 crore. The latest phase will focus on improving roads, footpaths, drainage systems, landscaping and street lighting across the heritage district in South Mumbai.
The Phase 2A project will cover four roads — Chamber of Commerce Lane, Forbes Street, Nagindas Master Road and Nanik Motwani Road. The civic body’s initiative is aimed at enhancing public spaces while preserving the character of the culturally significant Kala Ghoda precinct.
Local BJP corporator Makrand Narwekar said, “In the first phase of the project which was inaugurated in July this year by the Maharashtra chief minister, roads in Kala Ghoda area such as V B Gandhi Marg (Forbes Street), Ropewalk Lane, Saibaba Road, Rutherford Street, and B Bharucha Road have been renovated with redesigned streets, improved lighting, open-air cafe seating and landscaped public spaces.”
Explaining the next stage, Narwekar said, “Now, in the second phase, we are taking on additional roads. We have already spoken to Mumbai traffic police to get these made pedestrian-only zones on weekends. The next phase of this project will include robotic parking of vehicles at Kala Ghoda junction with a plaza around it.”
The upcoming work will involve several civil and infrastructure upgrades. These include clearing construction sites, removing temporary structures and relocating essential utilities, street poles, traffic signals and road signboards where required.
The project will also involve excavation and construction of different road layers to improve the quality and durability of the streets. Basalt and granite cobblestones are proposed as part of the redesigned road surfaces, in keeping with the precinct’s heritage character.
In addition, the civic project will include construction and repairs of utility chambers, along with the installation of recessed chamber covers and ducts.
The redevelopment is expected to improve pedestrian movement, public amenities and the overall streetscape in one of Mumbai’s prominent heritage and cultural destinations.
Source: The Times of India
