22 October,2014 01:35 PM IST | | Ranjeet Jadhav
Many companies have submitted Expression of Interest bids to MMRDA to build a smart BKC; proposal includes wi-fi, video surveillance, solar lamp light panels and better parking facilities
The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority's plan to convert Bandra-Kurla Complex into a smart township has seen a lot of companies expressing interest. MMRDA says it has received several Expression of Interest (EoI) bids after it invited the applications last month.
MMRDA plans to make BKC a smart township, but is yet to decide the model through which it will develop the facilities. File pic
MMRDA plans to have high-speed wi-fi connectivity throughout the township and install solar streetlights. The agency also wants to develop better parking facilities in BKC and cover the entire area with a comprehensive video surveillance system.
Officials say many companies are approaching them, wishing to develop these facilities. An official told mid-day, "Recently we met representatives of a few companies who wanted to know about the âSmart BKC' concept in detail. We were surprised to see the number of people coming forward."
Quizzed about the cost of the project, the official added, "At present I cannot comment on the cost because we have not decided whether we will implement the project on a Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT) basis or some other model." MMRDA is the Special Planning Authority for the township.
October 28 is the last day for submission of EoI bids online. The MMRDA developed BKC with sole purpose of providing a financial and business hub and also to decongest south Mumbai. BKC already has a number of financial and business houses like National Stock Exchange, SEBI, Diamond Bourse and various national and international private banks.
It also has schools, a hospital, five-star hotels, and consulates of USA, UK, Australia and France, apart from being home to residential quarters for government employees. As per an MMRDA official, BKC provides 2 lakh jobs.
"The Authority has developed 19 hectares of land (E Block) with the presence of prominent institutions such as the Reserve Bank of India, Income Tax, Sales Tax, Provident Fund and many other corporate and commercial establishments.
"Together, these buildings offer 160 hectares of office space with potential to accommodate thousands of workers. Developing the Bandra-Kurla Complex as a smart township will only add on to the features," the official stated.
