18 January,2009 06:33 AM IST | | Shashank Rao
THE Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC) was in the running to become Mumbai's next Nariman Point. Until now, that is. Private companies and organisations are either delaying or refusing to go to BKC, even after buying plots. This, in turn, has affected the pace of infrastructure projects planned for BKC, even though it's still in its initial stages.
Derailed?
The Mumbai Metropolitan Regional Development Authority (MMRDA) is developing important projects like the Monorail, a Metro rail, skywalk, platforms on Mithi River and a flyover connecting BKC and Chunabhatti.
However, all these projects, still in their initial stages, are moving at a slower pace. An official from MMRDA said, "We were to expedite these infrastructure projects as the developers were supposed to come to BKC within months, soon after the bidding got over. Now with recession, the developers are not so keen. It's giving us more time to work on these projects."
Surendra Sawai, Member of Kapda Bazaar at Kalbadevi said, "Nearly 10 years back, we were supposed to shift at a price of Rs 600 per sq feet. But with the constant change in the government and the overall economic meltdown, the prices have astronomically risen to Rs 40,000 per sq feet. Even after several meetings with MMRDA, no specific decision has been taken."
Projects perish
The proposed Rs 1,125 crore Kalanagar-Diamond Bourse-Bandra station (E) monorail was to be expedited with suggestions from those working at BKC. Yet the process is still going on, though the plan was initiated four months ago. The MMRDA went through these suggestions just last week. Ashwini Bhide, Joint Metropolitan Commissioner, MMRDA said, "We are still carrying the feasibility study for the monorail at BKC. If we find it technically feasible, only then we will incorporate it in the plan."
On the other hand, the extension of the Bandra (E) skywalk from Kalanagar up to Bharat Diamond Bourse too has been scrapped. R Ramanna, senior transport planner said, "Construction of this skywalk was just a suggestion." As per this plan, the skywalks were supposed to touch the entrances of several office buildings at BKC.
The planning and design of the 13.7 km long third metro rail between Bandra-Kurla-Mankhurd too is going slow. This idea sprung up after officials visited Bangkok, where such structures connect offices, shopping malls and even multiplexes. However, R Ramanna added that such infrastructure plans are long term ones and usually, newly undertaken projects get affected.
The Rs 125 crore elevated road-connecting BKC, cutting through Sion-Chunabhatti, and then meeting the Eastern Express Highway (EEH) near Somaiya ground is still being designed.
Why BKC?
Bandra Kurla Complex is Mumbai's prime commercial hub being planned on international standards. Moreover, there is enough space for the walkway to connect with the buildings. Nearly 20 hectares of land is lying vacant with the MMRDA they have already sold approximately 80 hectares of land.
