Mumbai’s biggest Redevelopment Project gets BMC nod
The decks have been cleared for Mumbai’s biggest redevelopment project in the south part of the city. The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has granted the crucial master plan approval and other sanctions, paving the way for launching the first phase of the ambitious Bhendi Bazaar Redevelopment Project (BBRP). The Rs 4,000-crore project is being executed by Saifee Burhani Upliftment Trust (SBUT).
The BMC has given the project the Intimation of Disapproval (IOD) bringing it a step closer to starting construction. The next step is acquiring the commencement certificate (CC), for which the developer has to submit the required documents. The IOD comes close on the heels of an approval given by the BMC for the project’s layout plan, which demarcating areas reserved for playgrounds and recreation grounds. It can also be used to determine the Floor Space Index (FSI) potential of the said plot. SBUT has said it will now apply for the CC after fulfilling IOD conditions, all of which is expected to take a few months before construction can begin.
Cluster Development Policy gains momentum
According to SBUT CEO Abbas Master, the development has happened just a week after Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis assured his support to the BBRP following approval to a new Cluster Development Policy in the state.
Since inception of the cluster development scheme in 2009, out of the total 46 projects, only a couple are expected to become a reality as of now, Bhendi Bazaar one of them. “It is Mumbai’s biggest and largest cluster redevelopment project. We will complete it as early as possible because most of the major approvals are in place, including Ministry of Environment and Forests nod. We want to make the project a role model for the rest of the world,” said Abbas Master, CEO of SBUT.
The project will transform the 16.5 acre cluster into a state-of-the-art residential locality with modern buildings, wide roads, better infrastructure, open spaces and a large commercial space. The project will impact 3,200 families, 1,250 businesses and transform the lives of 20,000 people. There will be large area for parking and a playground. Also, stress will be laid on keeping the area green, with recreational facilities and commercial space also being developed.
At present, over 60 dilapidated buildings in the Bhendi Bazaar area have been demolished and around 1,600 families shifted, majority of them to transit homes. The residents will be given flats with a minimum area of 350 sq ft. Commercial premises would also be accommodated in modern commercial complexes. The SBUT has subdivided the scheme into a total of nine clusters, of which six are for rehabilitated residents, two for construction of premises that will be sold and the remaining one cluster is for MHADA buildings.
Model for redevelopment
The SBUT has acquired 85 per cent of the buildings and received clearance from the Union Ministry of Environment and Forests for the project. The IOD is a major milestone for the project. SBUT is a step closer to begin phase-wise construction, giving Bhendi Bazaar the much-needed transformation. “While each cluster will be self-sustained with internal connectivity within the cluster, we are committed to sustainable construction which will lead to power savings,” said Abbas Master, CEO, SBUT.
“This path-breaking project will create an urban living space with modern infrastructure and amenities in the heart of South Mumbai. The redevelopment envisages transforming Bhendi Bazaar into a diverse sustainable community, with a healthy neighbourhood creating a vibrant modern urban area with state-of-the-art infrastructure. With the Bhendi Bazaar Redevelopment Project we hope to set a benchmark for similar projects in the city and country,” said Master.
