History in lights

Ready, set, glow all the way to Regal (right) Megawatt Monday night in causeway

It was all things bright and beautiful as Colaba got a line of ornate streetlights on Monday evening. New lamps with a whiff of heritage and history came up just outside Zero Pasta lane in Colaba, on the SBS road footpath and the centre divider. This is opposite the mandir on the causeway and outside Cusrow Baug, if you are looking for a local landmark. An inaugural ceremony at the Colaba space saw residents sport smiles as bright as the lights.

Locals speak

Cusrow Baug's Hoshang Jal said the lights are both, useful and beautiful. concurred as he added, "The lights, from here right up to Regal, look unique and have an old-world charm, but more importantly, they should be looked at through the needed prism. More light is always good."

Former corporator Makarand Narvekar speaks at the inauguration

Local Cynthia D'Mello said attention to aesthetics is evident. "When we have the same kind of lights all the way to Regal, on the divider and footpath too, it spells uniformity and that is vital. We often see designs and installations all across the city, and the intent is good but it does seem fragmented at times. We want Colaba to become a model for Mumbai," D'Mello said proudly. Colaba's O'Mary Umapathy was excited to hear that more Pasta Lanes in the area are to be lit up. "We are transported to a wonderland," she said with a megawatt smile.

Aim of the project

Bella Shah - the moving spirit behind this project and an active resident - said, "We had the full support of our former corporators. I had four things in mind when this was at the drawing board stage - beauty, functionality, heritage and safety. I am happy to say we ticked all four boxes, and these are surely going to benefit the public."

Colaba's Navnath Lalge said this "upped the attractiveness quotient", while local Chaitra Lalge said, "we are so happy this has been done but we hope beaches in the vicinity, like Badhwar Park and others, have a permanent solution when it comes to cleanliness. It is heartening to see citizen involvement. Even the robust attendance at the inauguration is a pointer to the interest levels".

Cheers and applause

At the inauguration, onlookers burst into applause as former corporator Makarand Narvekar arrived, taking the mike at the little dais set up on the spot. "It took us 12 months to see this to completion. Thanks to the residents who conceptualised the lights project. It is because of locals that we public representatives are encouraged to achieve more goals." In bullish mode, Narvekar said, "At this point in time, the BMC has no dearth of funds. So, if you have a feasible, useful idea then the BMC has the wherewithal to implement it," he added to cheers.

Ujwal Koli said as the group made its way to launch the lights, "The equation is simple. More lights mean more safety. Once shops shut along the causeway, we do have streetlights but this will only enhance visibility." As the lights came on and cast a glow along the stretch, Narvekar said, "We are planning to light up the Pasta Lanes and the area around the Colaba Post Office, too."

As the event wound down, and bouquets and thanks were given out, co-conceptualiser and Strandmarg Association Secretary, Ajay Multani said, "These lights on the divider and the footpath are especially welcome. Busy roads like these need them and a better-lit footpath is a bonus and boon, especially for our senior citizens." The lights will bring the stretch to life every evening.

12 months
Time taken to complete project