^^ Great news!

Bollywood tourism to hit Mumbai (http://www.dnaindia.com/report.asp?NewsID=1084829)
Wednesday, March 14, 2007 19:52 IST

Plans are afoot to launch a filmi complex with cafes, museums, a walk of fame and more

http://img401.imageshack.us/img401/2626/imageshow24e6f5mc0.jpg
A museum, spread over 100,000 square feet, will feature the likes of Ash, SRK, Big B & more...

With the popularity of Bollywood soaring internationally, it was only time before someone used this as a theme to attract foreign tourists to India. Percept Holdings has decided to launch ‘Bollywood Experience’ in Mumbai. Spread over 100,000 square feet, this complex will house Bollywood cafes, museums, a theme park with special rides, film set replicas, movie memorabilia, simulator experiences, 3D virtual gaming booths, a walk of fame etc.

Says Shailendra Singh of Percept Holdings, “Bollywood is 75 years old and it’s time we show our pride of this rich heritage. Watch out, Bollywood tourism will be big business.”

Estimated to cost a $100 million, the project is expected to kick-start soon and should be ready in 14-18 months. The company plans to start collecting memorabilia from the concerned production companies. “I am sure the big producers will be only glad to contribute to this project as it would give them a great platform too,” says Singh.

The Bollywood Museum will showcase famous props and costumes that have been part of popular shows and blockbuster films down the ages. Cinema aficionados will also get a chance to walk-through a scaled model of Bollywood, which will provide information on key dates and important moments in Bollywood history.
http://img401.imageshack.us/img401/8565/150320071410101re8.th.jpg (http://img401.imageshack.us/my.php?image=150320071410101re8.jpg)

Another committee for Mumbai makeover? (http://cities.expressindia.com/fullstory.php?newsid=226533)
Deepak Parekh, others in Lok Group-floated panel that proposes JVs with govt to rebuild old, unsafe buildings

Kavitha Iyer

Mumbai, March 13: For those frustrated by the dawdling makeover of Mumbai, here is yet another committee promising the “remaking of Mumbai”. And this time, a builder-conceived plan is eyeing prime real estate offered by redeveloping 16,000-odd buildings that pay a repair cess to the government, while promising to upgrade and augment city infrastructure alongside.

Thwarted earlier on his proposal to undertake the redevelopment of all dilapidated buildings, Lalit Gandhi, chairman and managing director of Lok Group, is now proposing a federation to undertake the task in joint ventures with government agencies. And already, he has convened a “core founder committee”, with names such as HDFC chief Deepak Parekh and Bombay First chairman Narinder Nayar on board, apart from Municipal Commissioner Johny Joseph, former bureaucrats and activists. The committee met on February 17.

A case of too many committees and too little action? “We can only form committees,” says Parekh. “It’s only the government that can take action. Unfortunately, we’re waiting for action on too many things—the Urban Land Ceiling Act, the housing policy, transit housing before redeveloping slums…”

Meanwhile, Gandhi has made a presentation to politicians, city planners and former bureaucrats, titled ‘Remaking of Mumbai focusing on reconstruction of unsafe/ dilapidated buildings and upgrading city infrastructure through public-private partnership by a proposed Remaking of Mumbai Federation’.

“Our next step is to form the Remaking of Mumbai Federation,” says Gandhi, adding that these supporting organisations, associations of builders and architects etc will then build consensus on basic concepts before signing a memorandum of understanding with the state or Centre.

Problem is, not everybody believes the real estate route he proposes is ideal. At the committee’s meeting, former chief secretary D M Sukthankar pointed out that an FSI of 4 might be “unmanageable”. Developer Mofatraj Munot, chairman of the Maharashtra Chamber of Housing Industry which is one of the proposed federation partners, said they had expressed “some reservations” at the meeting, though there is “no disagreement” on the need for planning.

“We do seem to be reinventing the wheel,” said Nayar, adding he wanted to support any credible move for the city’s overhaul.

Parekh, who’s keen to support “anything on improving the quality of life in Mumbai”, said he’d pointed out at the meeting that various reports and stakeholders’ opinions should be taken into account before planning ahead.

Dharavi getting crowded with makeover plans
An alternative plan has been proposed because experts fear the first one could overcongest the area

DNA Mumbai Epaper 14 March 2007
Gurbir Singh
Mumbai

http://img138.imageshack.us/img138/6135/15032007003001010583944tf6.jpg

THE STATE seems to have decided on a relook at the makeover plan for Dharavi, home to 6 lakh people and the largest slum pocket in the city, following fears that the previously proposed plan may overcongest the 216-hectare central Mumbai district.

Additional Chief Secretary in Charge of Urban Development Ramanand Tiwari said that besides the new plan that they were thinking of, there was also the possibility of a third alternative, which would be a combination of the old and new proposals.

One of the new proposals under consideration is to get developers to build more commercial and office space instead of resi dential structures.

This will also give higher returns to builders, Tiwari said.

The plan now under consideration proposes low-density rehabilitation for slumdwellers in groundplus-three or plus-four buildings. According to the plan, developers in Dharavi will be given development rights equivalent to 40 per cent of the floor space index (FSI) of the rehabilitation construction from which they will earn their profits. The first proposal spoke of 130 per cent development rights.

FSI is the ratio of total space on all floors of a building to the land area of the plot on which construction is undertaken. The government has cleared an FSI of 4 as a special case for Dharavi, and has invited objections and suggestions as per town planning norms before it is integrated into the Development Control Rules (DCR). The prevailing FSI in the island city is 1.33.

The new plan, recently presented before a high-power committee of secretaries, was developed by the Kamala Raheja School of Architecture and Centre for Environmental Planning and Technology (CEPT), Ahmedabad.

It proposes just 14 per cent of Dharavi's land be put up for commercial sale, with ground-plus-15 structures housing the saleable component.

“If the state adopts the original plan, the density will go beyond that of Hong Kong. This is not sustainable,” said Uppal Sharma, Dean of CEPT’s School of Planning, the students of which came up with the alternative model.

Dharavi has a density of 600-700 housing units per hectare. Town planners peg the tolerance ceiling at 500. “The old proposal would have pushed density to 1,700 units per hectare,” Sharma added.

Tiwari said they were also considering the proposal made by the two schools of architecture.

“We could finally also have a mix of both the old plan developed by Mukesh Mehta and the new,” Tiwari said.
http://img267.imageshack.us/img267/1797/1503200700300156465dge6.th.jpg (http://img267.imageshack.us/my.php?image=1503200700300156465dge6.jpg)

Worli-Bandra sea link may extend to Gorai
MSRDC has invited bids from consultants for a feasibility study

DNA Epaper
14 March 2007

http://img144.imageshack.us/img144/6372/130320070050100011aj0.jpg

Smita Deshmukh
Mumbai

With work on the WorliBandra sea link reaching the halfway mark, the Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC) is studying the feasibility of extending it from Bandra to Gorai.

The MSRDC has invited bids from consultants for a pre-feasibility tender for the proposed sea link. PWD Minister Anil Deshmukh said the bids will be opened on Friday and a decision on the consultant taken within 15 days.

Officials told DNA that they will have a clear idea in four months whether such a link connecting all of the western suburbs by sea would be viable.

The MSRDC has already received environmental clearance for extending the sea link from Worli to Nari man Point through a sixlane bridge. At 2006 prices, the project is estimated to cost Rs3,150 crore.

“We are aiming at decongestion, and extension of the sea link to Gorai is a natural step towards it,” said Deshmukh, who is also chairman of the MSRDC.

“The design and nature of the new connectivity would depend on what the consultants tell us.” Deshmukh said sea connectivity from the island city to the far end of the western suburbs would reduce the pressure on the existing north-south western corridor, which is highly congested. The congestion often causes bottlenecks on multiple locations.

“We may also look into the option of connecting Nariman Point to Sewree, since the Mumbai TransHarbour Link (MTHL) from Sewree to Nhava Sheva is in its final bidding stage,” he said.

West coast wired In four months a clear idea will emerge whether such a link would be viable. http://img144.imageshack.us/img144/8595/130320070050101xf4.th.jpg (http://img144.imageshack.us/my.php?image=130320070050101xf4.jpg)

Sahara Star (ex centaur hotel) construction update, from attack of the darkness @ flickr:
http://img247.imageshack.us/img247/5650/421779914cd2e9a7e42b10beg2.jpg

http://img89.imageshack.us/img89/6636/saharastarhotelmumbaiun9.jpg

MMRDA gets Rs 2,444 cr in its kitty (http://cities.expressindia.com/fullstory.php?newsid=226771)

Chief Minister announces budget for 2007-08; metro rail, MUIP among other plans

Express News Service

Mumbai, March 14: Chief Minister Vilasrao Deshmukh, also chairman of the Mumbai Metropolitan region Development Authority (MMRDA) on Tuesday announced a budget of Rs 2,444 crore for the agency for the financial year 2007-08. He also conducted a review of various projects being implemented by the MMRDA.

While the largest chunk of the budget for the next financial year—Rs 705 crore—-is for the showcase Mumbai Urban Transport Project (MUTP), the other allocations include Rs 563 crore for the Mumbai Urban Infrastructure Project, Rs 300 crore for the metro rail, Rs 224 crore for Phase 2 of the Mithi River Action Plan and Rs 25 crore for the development of Bandra Kurla Complex.

“The thrust is clearly on infrastructure,” said Metropolitan Commissioner Dr T Chandrashekhar. “We will also be building two elevated roads—the Eastern Freeway and the Sahar elevated road, for which we have set aside Rs 100 crore,” he added. The Eastern Freeway is being planned as a high-speed corridor from P D’mello Road along the eastern seaboard through Anik and then to Panjrapole, with a link to the Eastern Express Highway, to be built at a cost of Rs 500 crore. The cost of building the state-of-the-art Sahar Road is pegged at Rs 250 crore.

Among other allocations made by the MMRDA is Rs 5 crore for converting the Vikrant warship into a floating museum, Rs 10 crore for land acquisition for various projects and Rs 20 crore for traffic control signboards on arterial roads across the city and suburbs.

Also, while the lease premium earned by the MMRDA in 2006-07 was Rs 1,492 crore, the expected income from the leasing out of plots in Bandra Kurla Complex in the next financial year is Rs 810 crore.

I think Jai posted this photo earlier

photo copyright bba

http://img257.imageshack.us/img257/1765/sohammaybebbavd9.jpg

Looks like this is Soham Apartments, Walkeshwar

(the other side)

http://img394.imageshack.us/img394/9472/sohmwalkeshardv3.jpg

http://www.prbuilders.net/

Dharavi getting crowded with makeover plans

http://img267.imageshack.us/img267/1797/1503200700300156465dge6.th.jpg (http://img267.imageshack.us/my.php?image=1503200700300156465dge6.jpg)

All that means is that no improvements will happen in Dharavi in the next few years.

Orbit Heights - looks like it is very near to Shreepati

http://img401.imageshack.us/img401/2212/orbitheightsmarch2007hy8.jpg

http://img297.imageshack.us/img297/2811/orbitheightstardeoroadiq2.jpg

So now that the general location is known, it should be easier to spot. It is however still too short (or is it behind Shreepati?) to be seen from the panoramic skyline pictures posted earlier.

Great work, Sun. is the base going to look like that? It looks kinda cheesy.:banana:

Some new projects

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Wadhwa Developers's Anmol Annex, Goregaon (West): 25 stories
http://img47.imageshack.us/img47/4354/89039482nd8.jpg

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Rustomjee Athena, Thane (West): Three towers of 30 stories each
http://img150.imageshack.us/img150/3193/36010954cm0.jpg

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Orchid Woods, Goregaon (East)
3 blocks of 46 storeys
http://www.axiomestates.com/orchid_woods_mum.htm

http://img248.imageshack.us/img248/1605/orchidwoodsmumbuildqr3.jpg

This render Looks at least 51 storeys though...

http://img180.imageshack.us/img180/7652/orchidwoods2ew7.jpg

Oberoi constructions has a new look website

http://www.oberoiconstructions.com/

First look at render of Oberoi Skyz?

Was originally 90 storeys, then reduced to 65 storeys; does this look like 65 storeys?

http://www.oberoiconstructions.com/proj_oberoiskyz.htm

http://img174.imageshack.us/img174/4599/oberoiskyzzb4.jpg

Oberoi Commerz
32 storeys

http://img264.imageshack.us/img264/663/oberoicommerzview1nl1.jpg

Great job Sun! Here are some thoughts:

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Firstly Dynamix Group's Orchid Woods, Goregaon (East), this is the previous rendering of it. Looks to have changed somewhat -- like no spire, larger podium, better landscaping, etc.:
http://img85.imageshack.us/img85/2562/1qc2.jpg

Also, it seems that Dynamix Group's Website (http://www.dynamixgroup.co.in/html/busisect/realesta.asp) seems to be down. It was working about a week ago.

http://img248.imageshack.us/img248/1605/orchidwoodsmumbuildqr3.jpg

8 storey podium + 48 storey tower + 2-3 storey penthouse. In total 58-59 storeys tall. I get that exact count on the second rendering (the one from the PDF) too.

But then again, the Axiom Estates website has continually posted old/outdated renderings/desigins of projects even when the newer renderings/designs have come out. I like the 'old' rendering from Dynamix's defunct website better. Let's hope for the best.


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Now on to Oberoi Constructions's updates:

From their new website, it seems that Oberoi Woods, Goregaon is confirmed to be the 'old' design (below, left) and not the 'new' design that appeared on Hafeez Contractor's website (below, right):
http://img409.imageshack.us/img409/6439/1138d8dsa7.jpg http://img88.imageshack.us/img88/1333/4bk9.jpg

As also evidenced by this u/c pic from this month, posted in the cityscapes thread:
http://img409.imageshack.us/img409/7791/dindoshimumbaisarpotdarkm5.jpg

The website also has some hitherto unseen pics of the landscaping of the project:
http://img169.imageshack.us/img169/6333/woodsview1bl8.jpg http://img169.imageshack.us/img169/1072/woodsview2nc8.jpg

All in all, its too bad. The original buildings look bland. The new ones would have been striking. But I guess time/budget constriants forced the developer to go with the old plan.

=======

Oberoi Sky Heights, Andheri (West) is looking a lot better than its renderings:
http://img231.imageshack.us/img231/5967/oberoiskyheights4nj6pl.jpg

I see only one tower though?
http://img152.imageshack.us/img152/771/skyheightview2tl7.jpg http://img152.imageshack.us/img152/3774/skyheightview4jt2.jpg

=======

While not looking like its 'old' rendering, Oberoi Springs, Andheri (West) also looks different from the 'new' rendering below:
http://img101.imageshack.us/img101/1333/ob12e77726ez0.jpg

This is what they have on their website:
http://img152.imageshack.us/img152/768/oberoispringsview1oh0.jpg
http://img152.imageshack.us/img152/5853/oberoispringsview2sg5.jpg
http://img152.imageshack.us/img152/8763/oberoispringsview3rg9.jpg

=======

Here's another view of Splendor, Andheri (East)

http://img237.imageshack.us/img237/3083/splendorview2ry0.jpg

=======

Regarding Oberoi Skyz, Worli,

Was originally 90 storeys, then reduced to 65 storeys; does this look like 65 storeys?
Sun, I'm counting a 15 storey podium + 45 storey tower for a total of 60 stories.

The original 90 storey tower was stated to be 'rocket ship' shaped. This looks nothing of the sort. Rather bland design for a pair of capital towers if you ask me. :(

Here is a smaller, but clearer picture:
http://img137.imageshack.us/img137/319/81397285gp2.jpg

=======

Oberoi developers seem to also have this upcoming residential project to look out for:
Oberoi Exotica, Mulund

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Cheers,
Jai

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Another view of Kalapataru Towers, Kandivali
designed by Ong and Ong Architects, Gurgaon

http://img293.imageshack.us/img293/2217/dayviewnew75e392bff0.jpg

http://img293.imageshack.us/img293/1223/nightviewnew75e2aa4jr5.jpg


Probably a more realistic rendering than this:
http://img156.imageshack.us/img156/1446/towersperspectivezg9.jpg

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And guess what?

From the Kalpataru site it seems that these are already u/c!

http://img176.imageshack.us/img176/5416/kalapatarutowers1fd1.jpg http://img176.imageshack.us/img176/8358/kalpatarutowers3dt6.jpg http://img182.imageshack.us/img182/4905/kalpatarutowers2wl2.jpg


Meanwhile the two towers of Kalpataru Horizon looks more or less complete..

http://img182.imageshack.us/img182/4830/kalpataruhorizon2cn9.jpg http://img152.imageshack.us/img152/6122/kalpataruhorizon1du6.jpg

Kamdhenu is also rising

http://img182.imageshack.us/img182/2931/kamdhenumumbaiju7.jpg

and so is Mahindra Eminente
http://mahindragesco.com/eminente/mah_emi.htm

http://img182.imageshack.us/img182/9601/mahindraemineneteawingzc9.jpg

Oberoi Skyz

http://img341.imageshack.us/img341/1694/oberoiskyzsls8.jpg

Newsmaker: Vikas Oberoi

http://www.business-standard.com/common/storypage_c.php?leftnm=10&autono=277809

Oberoi Commerz
32 storeys

http://img264.imageshack.us/img264/663/oberoicommerzview1nl1.jpg

Sweet! Since it is named Commerz and with a helipad on top, I am assuming it is a business tower. We need more of these, and definitely taller.

non-skyscraper but very positive development -

Coming straight from haat - a new cultural centre near Mumbai (http://business-standard.com/economy/storypage.php?tab=r&autono=278103&subLeft=1&leftnm=3)

With urban planners seeking ‘greener pastures’ to help citizens get away from the rigours of the daily life, a new destination is being planned in Belapur near here as a “national cultural arena in the midst of nature”.

A six-hectare plot is being developed adjacent to the Belapur railway station close to the Pune-Mumbai highway to enable citizens and tourists enjoy a “slice of India” in the lush surroundings of natural settings.

“Belapur Haat” is expected to come up by December, in a thickly-wooded forest area, modelled somewhat on the lines of the popular New Delhi hotspot, “Dilli Haat”, with the ambience resembling perhaps Surajkund and beyond,” said Deepak Kapoor, Joint Managing Director, Cidco, the state agency involved in the project.

“The Dilli Haat is permanent, a bit more like a shopping destination and is in the midst of concrete, Surajkund fair is more natural, exotic but held annually.”

“We are doing more than both, Belapur Haat is permanent like Dilli Haat, but it more of an environment friendly destination...The Surajkund fair, held annually, does not cater to visiting tourists around the year.”

“The aim of Belapur Haat is to provide a one-stop-one-shop (for culture) halt for those on expressways and for citizens to enjoy the diversity of India’s heritage in a microcosmic setting,” Kapoor said.

“The “Haat” is also being linked by a small bridge to the railway station to enable train travellers break journey, put up their feet, take in some good food, buy artefacts and just enjoy nature.”

“Belapur Haat, like its Delhi counterpart, will have stalls depicting the cultures of all states,” Kapoor said.

“Besides handicraft stalls, we have planned food courts with cuisines from different states. But, Belapur Haat will be more than that... It will certainly be more environment-friendly. “The lush forests around the stalls will be left untouched and will be accessible for visitors to take a walk-through, breath fresh air, and relax in the midst of greenery.

“Also we have at least a 100 species of butterflies there and we have planned butterfly park and log house to protect them,” he said. “Belapur Haat will also have water bodies to enhance the settings and make the place even cooler,” Kapoor said.

The haat is being developed by City and Industrial Development Corporation (CIDCO) and will cost around Rs 2.8 crore. The Union government has sanctioned Rs 1.4 crore. Only about 7 per cent to 8 per cent of the area will be developed for the stalls, which will be constructed using bricks, wood, stone, bamboo and other natural materials. An amphitheatre will also be built for cultural programmes.

watch the neighbors are gonna complain about bugs

Some more construction updates!

by sawkonyc @ flickr:
http://img181.imageshack.us/img181/9605/427169540b69411b56fbaa7ev8.jpg
Supersized Version of this Photo (http://img264.imageshack.us/img264/7215/4271695406648ab2832ocj9.jpg)

Check out National Sports Club of India's Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Indoor Stadium almost completed in the above pic!

And some cool views of The Imperial, and other Back Bay towers u/c

http://img120.imageshack.us/img120/1475/427017368fdd956cdb4bzo4.jpg
Supersized Version of this Photo (http://img120.imageshack.us/img120/5396/427017368fa60754da0occ4.jpg)

http://img120.imageshack.us/img120/1756/4270128949095b6366cbvf4.jpg
Supersized Version of this Photo (http://img120.imageshack.us/img120/2646/4270128943c240d09a6olk8.jpg)


You should check out the large size pics for best effect!

-Jai

In Asia's largest slum, free new digs are scorned
http://www.csmonitor.com/2007/0321/p01s04-wosc.html

Reishma Rathore lives in a dilapidated one-room shanty in Dharavi slum, Mumbai (formerly Bombay), a stinking sea of corrugated iron shanties and rubbish. Last week, she was offered a spanking new apartment with a kitchen and bathroom free of charge. She turned it down. "This is mine," she says, patting her brightly painted front step.

Dharavi is Asia's largest slum – covering about one square mile of central Mumbai – and it is slated for the largest slum-clearing ever.

Within days, says the city's Slum Redevelopment Authority (SRA), the government will invite bids from developers to raze Dharavi and rebuild it as a 21st-century "township."

Ms. Rathore's reaction to the plan to flatten her home is not unusual. "Not a single slum dweller has given consent," said Jockin Arputham, president of the National Slum Dwellers Federation (NSDF). "We will fight it and fight it."

For the government, the redevelopment of Dharavi is an innovative solution to a land shortage in one of the world's most expensive cities. Developers will demolish the slum's low-level shanties and rehouse inhabitants in high-rise blocks, freeing up precious land for middle-class apartment blocks, malls, and business parks.

But many of Dharavi's estimated 600,000-plus residents say they will not budge. A sizeable voting block, their views are not easily dismissed.

Activists also fear the social fabric of the slum will be torn by change. Life is lived in an intimate jumble in Dharavi: People cook, work, bathe, and gossip on every patch of pavement, and the air is filled with the sounds of IndiPop, sewing machines, and hammers.

In high-rise apartments, life will be lonelier. With the arrival of the middle classes, it will become segregated too. "It will be like Manhattan on one side and a ghetto on the other," says the NSDF's Mr. Arputham.

Mukesh Mehta, the architect who is managing the development, disagrees. "Dharavi will be divided into five sectors, and in each there will be housing for slum dwellers and mor-middle-class buyers," he says, adding that he plans to make India "slumless" by 2020. Dharavi is his first experiment.

But clearing the slums will not, in itself, consign them to history. Until there is affordable housing in India's burgeoning cities, new slums will always spring up. "Rent control and draconian building measures make low-cost housing a high-risk, low-return business," says Mr. Shah. "Fix this, then clear the slums."

In the meantime, Dharavi's transformation will require some careful handling. Poor as they are, slum dwellers' powers are not limited to political clout.

In his Dharavi office, Arputham points to an aerial map of the slum and the train lines that slice through it. "When the building starts, I will ask a few thousand people to spend the night sleeping on the tracks," he warns. "Mumbai will be brought to a standstill."

REL wants to turn slums to skyscrapers
HT Epaper 21 APR 07
Madhurima Nandy
Mumbai

http://img250.imageshack.us/img250/1339/22032007005002007302263ux9.jpg
RELIANCE ENERGY Limited (REL), part of the ADAG group and one of India’s biggest conglomerates, is now planning to get into the slum rehabilitation business.

The company, which inherited tracts of land in Mumbai’s suburbs when it took over Bombay Suburban Electric Supply (BSES), is proposing to develop these plots, all of which have been encroached upon.

An REL spokesperson from Delhi confirmed that the company is looking at ways to rehouse encroachers. “We have some land that is illegally occupied. We want to provide these encroachers with alternative accommodation... we also need land to build receiving stations,” he said.

The spokesperson did not have details of the size or locations of the plots owned by the company.

Like a typical slum rehab scheme, REL, which owns these plots, would rehouse slumdwellers and in return, get a vast sprawl of land to construct buildings to be sold at market rates.

Speaking to HT, D.S. Malwankar, joint director and finance controller of the Slum Rehabilitation Authority (SRA), said the corporate house had appointed architect Shrimati Deodhar to draw up the plans.

“REL is seeking clarifications on different slum rehab schemes and their architect has been meeting SRA officials in this regard,” he said. “They are yet to submit their project proposal.” Senior SRA officials, meanwhile, said REL is contemplating building residential towers that would be sold on the open market.

They also said it would not be difficult for REL to get its plans sanctioned by the SRA, since the land is owned by the company.
http://img444.imageshack.us/img444/9127/220320070050022effcchm5.th.jpg (http://img444.imageshack.us/my.php?image=220320070050022effcchm5.jpg)

Cosmic Heights, Wadala nearing completion

http://img412.imageshack.us/img412/9130/cosmicheightsmumbaisq6.jpg

Oberoi Commerz
32 storeys

http://img264.imageshack.us/img264/663/oberoicommerzview1nl1.jpg



that's a classy one. if it does turn out that way, it will be very unique and attractive. they should've planned for 50 storeys though. there is enough demand and will def get filled up. if not businesses, then residential or hotel development in the top floors is a good idea. these big developers who have the money and resources should go only for 50 or higher.


the website says it is also housing a 5-star hotel. but i still think they should be planning taller that 32.

Great projects.

Oberoi Commerz is a start but Mumbai as you know needs many corporate towers to meet the demands of office space.

It also could have been taller thou.

It was disappointing to see Oberoi Skyz to be 60 stories instead of te 90 + which was promised. Just goes to show what bull**** was given in the media and the big deal that was made about this project. This has happened before so we have been fooled again. Oh and perhaps they might change the design again and reduce or increase the height!

It was disappointing to see Oberoi Skyz to be 60 stories instead of te 90 + which was promised. Just goes to show what bull**** was given in the media and the big deal that was made about this project. !

It was orginally supposed to be 90 storeys. But something must have happened down the line.

oberoi skyz is right next to the tv tower, so they didnt get clearance from the GoI. oberoi offered to put the tv tower (who uses this anyways in bombay nowadays?) on top of his building, but they didnt want it on private land. they were asked to prune down the height

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Another view of the "new" Oberoi Springs design. 3 towers of 40 storeys each.

Oberoi Springs
http://img300.imageshack.us/img300/1745/oberoisprings40kv7.jpg

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A view of the redesigned Oberoi Sky Heights, 2 towers of 40 storeys each.

http://img455.imageshack.us/img455/4151/oberoiskyheightsvh9.jpg

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Looks like Anmol Annex has been redesigned only a week after its original design (see this post for it) came out. Seems to be 32 stories:
http://img399.imageshack.us/img399/360/anmolannex32mo6.jpg

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Monarch Gardens, Sewri-Wadala (West): 20 stories
http://img50.imageshack.us/img50/5012/image25ce3.jpg

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Another view of the "new" Oberoi Springs design. 3 towers of 40 storeys each.

Oberoi Springs
http://img300.imageshack.us/img300/1745/oberoisprings40kv7.jpg

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A view of the redesigned Oberoi Sky Heights, 2 towers of 40 storeys each.

http://img455.imageshack.us/img455/4151/oberoiskyheightsvh9.jpg

-------==--=--==-------




those are some of the most boaring designs i've ever seen..

those are some of the most boaring designs i've ever seen..

I have the same opinion. I saw the renderings and felt the design is ancient.

monyaam, pding..........................lets hope these are initial preliminary renderings. this final renderings could be lot better.

I agree, these architects could do better!

The colour makes the buildings look bland as well.

The pinkish coloring seems to be from the poor quality of the brochure's scan

Look at the elevation of Sky Heights compared to the actual building:
http://img455.imageshack.us/img455/4151/oberoiskyheightsvh9.jpghttp://img152.imageshack.us/img152/771/skyheightview2tl7.jpg

Yeah the building seems to be a pale white colour or a very pastel pink.

The image is not of good quality I agree but the actual photo of the building on the right looks far better.

Actually I do like Oberoi Sky Heights but being way in the suburbs the building is hidden from most of Mumbai lol. Would have been nice to see it in central Mumbai or something which gives it exposure and status.

DLF signs deal with UAE developer for $20 billion India venture (http://www.domain-b.com/industry/real%20_estate/20070327_developer.html)
27 March 2007

Mumbai: DLF, India's largest real estate developer, has entered into an agreement with Al Nakheel group of the United Arab Emirates to develop two integrated townships in the suburbs of Mumbai and New Delhi, involving investments of $20 billion. :happy:

The companies will initially invest $5 billion each over the next three years to build complete townships at unspecified locations in India, company sources said.

The 50:50 joint venture would capitalise on India's real estate boom to build the townships across 40,000 acres of land.

Reports said, New Delhi-based DLF and UAE's leading real estate developer Nakheel have already acquired about 70 per cent of the land needed to set up the townships, which will include commercial and residential centers.

In January, DLF said it had filed a new and downsized initial share sale offer with the market regulator almost six months after investors balked at its plan to raise $3 billion for its ambitious expansion plans.

DLF said it planned to raise $2.2 billion via an IPO in 2007, down from the $2.98 billion of shares it proposed to sell in August 2006. This was withdrawn after major investment banks said the company's plans were unrealistic.

The Hindujas are also investing millions of dollars in the UAE for property development business there. "The company has already bought land in the Waterfront Project of Al Nakheel," Hinduja group chairman Ashok P. Hinduja said.

The Hinduja group has also announced plans to enter into a healthcare joint venture with Limitless, a subsidiary of Dubai World. Both companies will invest $1 billion over the next three years for medical facilities in key cities like Delhi and Mumbai.

In the past few months, DLF has signed agreements with several companies for joint ventures to tap India's growing market. The company's joint venture partners include Prudential Financial, Hilton Hotels and UK-based infrastructure major Laing O'Rourke.

send this article to a friendThe DLF-Al Nakheel deal is part of a series of agreements inked between the governments of India and the UAE during a visit by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashed al-Maktoum, vice president and prime minister of UAE and ruler of Dubai.

UAE is home to an estimated 1.4 million Indians.

real estate biggies are kicking some real ass...i hope the residential and commercial centers have atleast about 20 50-florey towers each....seriously, 10 billion investment in two townships is huge...by any means, i expect something on a very grand and really huge scale by DLF + Partner.

with emaar already in nakheel couldnt be far behind. the two dubai biggies now slugging it out in india. the ego battles could result in some spectacular developments

with emaar already in nakheel couldnt be far behind. the two dubai biggies now slugging it out in india. the ego battles could result in some spectacular developments

Keep your fingers crossed before Medhaji spoils the party.

:lol:

Keep your fingers crossed before Medhaji spoils the party.

:lol:




well, to bypass her, these guys have to do a Reliance with the land owners and others.

Cross posting here for future reference's sake

Four cities will appear on the Indian map
http://img442.imageshack.us/img442/4485/270320070010100111mn9.jpgForeign funds will pump in Rs2 lakh crore to create the ultra-chic cities

DNA India Epaper
27 Mar, 2007

On Republic Day this year, Macquarie Bank, Australia’s largest securities firm, announced that it will invest $25 billion along with three partners to create an ultramodern integrated township on 65,000 acres in Andhra Pradesh, just 170km off Bangalore.

Four weeks later, Tishman Speyer Properties LP, which owns New York’s famous Rockefeller Centre and Frankfurt’s MesseTurm, said it, along with ICICI Bank and Nagarjuna Construction Co, will build a $2 billion residential and commercial township for 30,000 people, spread over 400 acres near Hyderabad.

On Monday, or exactly another four weeks after the Tishman announcement, Al Nakheel LLC, an international property development firm owned by the Dubai government said it will, along with DLF Ltd, build two ‘Manhattans’ :cheers: near Mumbai and Gurgaon, spread over 20,000 acres each.

Each city will cost about $10 billion or Rs43,300 crore to construct, with the first phase, expected to be completed by 2010, seeing the partners investing $5 billion apiece.

In all, $47 billion or Rs203,000 crore of private money will be invested over the next couple of years to create four ultra modern cities from ground up.

The cities near Mumbai and Gurgaon will be three times as large as New York’s Manhattan Island, DLF said.

All the four cities will be world-class and self-contained, with wide, international-quality roads, telecom networks, educational institutions, industrial clusters, hospitals and amusement parks.


Cities near Mumbai, Delhi
Located on the outskirts of Mumbai and in Gurgaon, Haryana, spread across 20,000 acres each Investment of $10 billion in the first phase
Investor: Limitless LLC, a Dubai government firm, and DLF Ltd

Science city near Bangalore
About 400km from Hyderabad and 150km from Bangalore Investment of $25 bn, spread across 65,000 acres, over 10 years
Investors: Macquarie Bank, Australia, and Singapore’s Jurong Corp and Semb Corp

Mini city near Hyderabad
A 400 acre commercial and residential development on the outskirts of Charminar city Will house 30,000 people, shops, and cultural amenities
Investors: Tishman Speyer, ICICI Bank, Nagarjuna Construction Growth to boost need for homes Foreign funds are moving into real estate because the 9-10 per cent economic growth foreseen will explode demand for homes, commercial space.

House prices in Mumbai, Delhi, and Bangalore have more than tripled since 2004
http://img442.imageshack.us/img442/1930/270320070010101ha9.th.jpg (http://img442.imageshack.us/my.php?image=270320070010101ha9.jpg)

The clearest image yet of National Sports Club of India (NSCI)'s under-construction Vallabbhai Patel indoor stadium in Worli. From, DNA India

http://img402.imageshack.us/img402/5845/260320070030020021fv1.jpg

Another taxi service launched
DNA India

http://img441.imageshack.us/img441/7812/mumtaxiindianj1.jpg

Yet another taxi fleet will be launched in the city on Sunday. These olive green Maruti Esteem ‘MERU’ taxis, 50 in all, have been launched under the state’s Fleet Taxi Scheme of 2006. taxis. V-Link Group, which owns these new taxis, was set up in 2000. It received the a licence to run new taxis on city roads two months ago. “About 150 taxis will be launched by April and the number will increase to 1,000 by the end of this year. Similar services will also be launched in Delhi, Kolkata, Chandigarh, Hyderabad, Chennai, Bangalore and Pune,” said Anjan Deb, COO, V-Link.

He said, “These cabs can be availed of through a call centre. So, a person booking his tickets for Mumbai can also book these taxis which will pick them up from the airport or railway station.” These taxis will also use GPS/GPRS technology for navigation.

The company says it will employ chauffeurs certified by the Western India Automobile Association. People will also be able to hail the taxis, provided that they aren’t engaged.

These cabs will be fitted with systems, procured from Dubai-based Dubai Technologies, whereby passengers will be given printed bills.

The company is targeting corporate houses, foreign tourists and business travellers. Initially the service will be launched in south Mumbai.

Initially the fare structure will be in line other taxi fares – basic fare is Rs13, after which it’s Rs15 and for every kilometre.

sweetness finally
i was wondering bout this

wut does it say bout the meters, base is 13 ok so then the next is 15 and plus one for evry km???

Article says 'Located on the outskirts of Mumbai '. Where will be this place located? Navi mumbai, Maha mumbai? Navi mumbai is already developed and Maha mumbai is currently developed by Reliance. Above picure shows the location near sea.

Cross posting here for future reference's sake

Four cities will appear on the Indian map

Well the photo is of Dubai, but I was wondering this too. Hopefully it will be in the suburbs, and hence will give a focal point to the existing Mumbai skyline, but land aquisition (which the article says is complete) would be incredibly expensive I'd reckon (though I remember reading elsewhere DLF has bought up property in Mumbai.) The area is to be '3 x the size of Manhattan' -- not exactly a small area.

Seeing how Nakheel likes to do waterfront developments, perhaps it will be on the coast itself? In New Mumbai or in one of the SEZs there? In Raigad (which is supposed to be Asia's bigggest SEZ)? Reliance's Mahamumbai SEZ is supposed to have a CBD as well, though they didn't specify if it would include skyscrapers or a cluster?...

I wonder who the architect is going to be. DLF traditionally used Hafeez Contractor with much success and branding...

probably north or south of bombay. south would be much harder though more desirable, so probably north

well, to bypass her, these guys have to do a Reliance with the land owners and others.

Deshmukh puts brake on Reliance SEZ

http://www.ibnlive.com/news/deshmukh-puts-brake-on-reliance-sez/37440-3.html

Reliance Industries' Maha Mumbai SEZ in Raigad has been nearly been put on hold. Maharashtra Chief Minister Vilasrao Deshmukh has said that the go-ahead for land acquisition would be given only after ensuring nobody was being forced out of their property. "First the buyers will have to strike a deal with the sellers... and then the issue will come up before the Cabinet Sub-Committee. Its only after the Committee gives the go ahead the land will be acquired," news agency PTI quoted him as saying. He added that till such time land will remain with the farmers. "We will issue orders to revenue officials to ensure that even after completing the hearing as per provisions of the Land Acquisition Act, no final award should be passed," he was quoted as saying. The Chief Minister's statement follows the report by a high-level Congress panel, which warned the state government of a "Nandigram-like flare-up" in affected areas where farmers have been protesting against "forcible" land acquisition. The statement implies that even if legal proceedings prescribed under the Act are completed, ownership will not be transferred to Reliance. The fact-finding panel, set up by MPCC chief Prabha Rau, was led by former MPs Sanjay Nirupam and Ramseth Thakur. It submitted its interim report to Rau on March 29, warning of farmers' unrest brewing in Raigad, where large-scale land acquisition was in progress by Reliance.

It's good to see that even smaller developers are building increasingly better looking buildings. Here's one from Lakhani Developers' Centrium
http://img338.imageshack.us/img338/739/image1rr5.jpg

why is Reliance wasting time with Mumbai???? seems like politicos (of all parties) in MH aren't interested in turning Mumbai into a global financial hub.....Reliance should just go to Gujarat. Modi will welcome them. they'll get the work done within days and i am sure Reliance can even start the construction within just a couple of months.

Something good..

First lot of Park encroachers to shift in 15 days
TOI epapaer

http://img247.imageshack.us/img247/7771/slumrehabtoidi3.jpg

After practically living in the wilderness for over 15 years, over 5,000 families of hutment dwellers within the Sanjay Gandhi National Park will soon move into low-income apartment blocks in Chandivali next to a tony Raheja complex.

Built on an abandoned quarry site by Sumer Corporation, these seven-storeyed structures comprising 4,142 flats are nearly ready for possession. The first batch of slum dwellers will be shifted here in the next 15 days. And another set of 1,772 flats will be ready within the next two months. The tough stand taken by the high court, which last week ordered resettlement of all the encroachers from the forest by December 31, 2007, seems to have provided fresh impetus to the rehabilitation plan.

Spread over 103 sq km, SNGP is the largest national park located within city limits anywhere in the world. By the late 1990s, over 500 acres of the park had been encroached upon by families who constructed hutments. The plan to rehabilitate the slum dwellers was initiated in September 2003 after the HC ordered the government to remove all encroachers from the park in six months, following a public interest litigation filed by the Bombay Environmental Action Group (BEAG).

After the PIL was filed, it was estimated that slum dwellers in about 12,000 pre-1995 structures had to be rehabilitated. But the deadline for the work was repeatedly extended, with the builder and authorities blaming each other for the delay.

One of the partners in the Sumer Group, Ramesh Shah, said the delay could be attributed to the legal and bureaucratic processes involved in resettlement work. Consensus had to be reached on a site where all the slumdwellers could be moved.

Shah said all the major hurdles have now been crossed. “In three years we have developed 100 buildings of seven floors each in this SRA township, and another 50 buildings are under construction. This can house all the 12,500 families currently living in the jungle.’’

Shah added that all the buildings will have municipal water supply, drains, and proper electricity along with lifts. “Considering that the realty rates are as high as Rs 5,500 per sq ft at Chandivali, and nearly Rs 11,000 per sq ft at Hiranandani, the rehabilitated families have got a very good deal here in comparison to the original plan to shift them to Kalyan, which is very far away,’’ he said.

Architect P K Das of the Nivara Hakk Samiti, which is representing the slumdwellers, told TOI that each flat at Chandivali has a carpet area of 225 sq ft, and comprises a large multipurpose room, kitchen with sink basin and a washroom.

“Unlike some of the previous SRA designs where developers have badly laid out the flats with a large central corridor, the Chandivali flats are refreshingly better,’’ said Das.

Shah added that all the buildings will have municipal water supply, drains, and proper electricity along with lifts.

do you guys know anything about the floor plans?

This is good news for once, something for the slum dwellers and people at the lower end of the housing market that also need urgent housing.

Would be interesting to know the floor plans and that these flats are not rabbit warrens but however a step in the right direction. Now more and more people need housing like this.

The complete TOI report (i only posted a part of the report) seemed to suggest that the design was functional and better than before.

Today's HT
http://img139.imageshack.us/img139/5857/050420070020229fc2f1egr5.jpg

http://img176.imageshack.us/img176/5382/050420070020229fc2f1egrtg3.th.jpg (http://img176.imageshack.us/my.php?image=050420070020229fc2f1egrtg3.jpg)

Jai, great work. lot of works stalled. mostly b/c of shopkeepers and other refusing to move. what will it take for them to realise that their one step can change the face of Mumbai. what can the govt do to make it more attractive for the ppl their to shift? relocation to other public housing???

Jai, great work. lot of works stalled. mostly b/c of shopkeepers and other refusing to move. what will it take for them to realise that their one step can change the face of Mumbai. what can the govt do to make it more attractive for the ppl their to shift? relocation to other public housing???

Yes Jai excellent work. I can understand why the shopkeepers dont want to move, but come on...democracy has to end somewhere :banana:

i hate how the new infrastructure is no where near world class. Though it is an improvment, these new roads are NO WHERE near japan, china, US, etc.

i hate how the new infrastructure is no where near world class. Though it is an improvment, these new roads are NO WHERE near japan, china, US, etc.




some pics of these upcoming roads will be very helpful.

Diagram of where SEZs are coming up in M'rashtra http://img237.imageshack.us/img237/2230/06042007002004021f0b9fse0.jpg
http://img237.imageshack.us/img237/2230/06042007002004021f0b9fse0.th.jpg (http://img237.imageshack.us/my.php?image=06042007002004021f0b9fse0.jpg)

Thats sad, you cannot displace people just like that as you crate more problems.

Im all for SEZs but there should be a constructive way of doing things.

Why not accommodate these people within the SEZs i.e. giving housing, schools etc...like a small township.

Thats a good number of SEZ's spread all over the state. Hopefully it will create another round of industrialisation all over the state instead of just 1 or 2 cities and also provide jobs to the farmers who have been commiting suicides, especially in east Maharashtra.

Something like this will also help in reducing the migration to larger cities like Mumbai. Its an ideal indirect way to reduce congestion in the big cities by creating SEZ's considerably outside the city.

MH prolly has the most spread out industrialisation of all Indian states. seriously, almost every disctrict has an SEZ coming up. that is a very healthy development.


anyway, the upcoming Sahara Star hotel and its rendering (got from BR forums. thought it would good to post here.):

http://img89.imageshack.us/img89/6636/saharastarhotelmumbaiun9.jpg



looks pretty impressive.

anyway, the upcoming Sahara Star hotel and its rendering (got from BR forums. thought it would good to post here.):

http://img89.imageshack.us/img89/6636/saharastarhotelmumbaiun9.jpg



looks pretty impressive.

I believe BR forum got it from us...

:)

Anyway check out the interior photos in the cityscape thread...

Orchid Woods - from their advt in TOI
http://www.dynamixbalwasgroup.com/

650 ft

http://img297.imageshack.us/img297/5751/orchidwoordsmumbaisg9.jpg

wuts a 2.5 bedroom hall and kitchen apartment?

wuts a 2.5 bedroom hall and kitchen apartment?

must be 2 bedrooms and a bedroom cum study.......but i'm not sure.......!!

Raj Grandeur, Powai

http://img441.imageshack.us/img441/2683/rajgrandeurpowaiif8.jpg

^Funky

Mumbaikars get 'comfortable' cab

video
http://www.ibnlive.com/videos/37869/mumbaikars-get-comfortable-cab.html

Funky buildings!

Now, global sport on city turf?
07 Apr, HT
Sanjeev Shivadekar
Mumbai

http://img254.imageshack.us/img254/8562/070420070030070112f9936ie5.jpg

THE STATE government has taken a crucial baby step to host international sporting events in Mumbai.

Having lost the opportunity to hold numerous international events due to the lack of state-of-the-art indoor stadiums in Mumbai, the government has now decided to construct two multi-purpose stadiums — one in Andheri, the other in Dharavi – at a cost of Rs 4 crore each.

The state has already acquired a 2.7-acre plot in Andheri and a 3.25acre plot in Dharavi — each approximately one-fourth the size of Shivaji Park.

“The administration is waiting for a no-objection certificate from the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority as the plot selected for the construction of the Sports complexes falls under its jurisdiction,” said Deputy Director (Sports, Mumbai Division) N. B. Mote.

Welcoming the decision, former Indian hockey captain Dhanraj Pillay said it would add to the city’s international status.

Without pinpointing a sport, Pillay said: “All sports should be treated equally and adequate infrastruc ture should be made available for every sport.” Besides the two stadiums, the state government has written a letter to the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation, requesting the civic body to provide land to build sports complex es across the city .

“There is a proposal to build 24 sports complexes — one in every administrative ward. This will give a big boost to sports activities in Mumbai,” Mote said.

sanjeev.shivadekar@hindustantimes.com
http://img120.imageshack.us/img120/9492/070420070030072f812bcrm8.th.jpg (http://img120.imageshack.us/my.php?image=070420070030072f812bcrm8.jpg)

Some better quality renderings of various projects that I haven't gotten around to uploading

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NG Royal Heights, Andheri
http://img479.imageshack.us/img479/3702/ngroyaloh0.jpg

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Sumer Trinity, Prabhadevi
http://img258.imageshack.us/img258/1862/sumertrinitycv2.jpg

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Ariisto Heaven, Mulund
http://img479.imageshack.us/img479/331/ariistoheavenlx8.jpg

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Here's a poor quality pic showing the layout of RNA @ Central Park, Chembur
http://img409.imageshack.us/img409/4482/centralparkmm2.jpg

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http://cities.expressindia.com/fullstory.php?newsid=230651

The long road: 16 flyovers, only 1 near-ready

With 300 new cars on road per day, time running out for MMRDA masterplan

Kavitha Iyer

Mumbai, April 7: Not stopping at a single red light all the way from Mulund or Borivali to South Mumbai might seem a distant dream, but work progressing on a series of flyovers—more aesthetic, more practical than earlier flyover schemes, promise agencies—could just get traffic moving quicker on arterial north-south roads.
Provided they meet deadlines, that is.

For, while work orders were issued in February 2006 for the construction of a flyover at the Malad-Kandivli junction on the Western Express Highway, the contractors could begin actual work on the bridge only in December 2006. Over a year after the work order was issued, 8.5 per cent of the work is complete as of March 2007.

“Road widening was in progress in February 2006, delayed because encroachments along the south-west side had to be removed,” said an official of the Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC), the project implementing agency. The tentative completion date is now a distant March 31, 2009.

Of 16 proposed flyovers, construction has begun on five—the doubling of the existing Dindoshi flyover, construction of one outside the Santacruz airport, at Thakur Complex and Times of India junction at Kandivli and an S-shaped flyover-cum-pedestrian subway at Suman Nagar junction.

The doubling of the Dindoshi flyover is delayed too, for the same reason: delayed road widening in turn caused by encroachments including a temple, a tabela and several other structures. Work on the flyover finally began in June 2006, eight months after the work order was issued.

“We’re ahead of plans now,” said M C Inasukutty. “The last pier is being built, out of 18. Only asphalting and crash barriers, etc will remain to be done after this monsoon.” Originally slated to be complete in November 2006, MSRDC engineers now say it will be ready in July this year.

With 300 new cars added to the city’s road traffic everyday and no sign of the disincentives for driving into congested south Mumbai, these flyovers are part of a masterplan being developed by the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) for integrated road development, including interchanges, road overbridges, subways, pedestrian and vehicular underpasses, etc.

At Thakur Complex, Kandivli, work is progressing furiously on the eight piers, the pile foundations running about 20 metres deep. This 600-metre flyover, scheduled to be ready by April 2008, will have a portal frame structure (a single frame structure to hold up the entire width of the bridge spans).

Mumbai`s Zoo to get facelift (http://business-standard.com/economy/storypage.php?tab=r&autono=280300&subLeft=1&leftnm=3)

Nine-year-old lioness Jimmy looks up quizzically from a mid-afternoon snooze — “is it mealtime already?”.

Her leopard friend greets the passing zoo official with only a tip-of-the-tail-wag. “It can’t be time yet,” she knows.

Jimmy and her friends, ensconced at historic Veermata Jijabai Bhosale Udyan (VJBU), are to be shaken up soon, in the first-ever major overall revamp of their surroundings.

VJBU, the almost 150-yea-old institution, better known as Byculla Zoo, is being transformed into a “global entity in keeping with trends in the country”. Ambitious “imports” include zebras and giraffes.

“Byculla Zoo is undertaking its first-ever major revamp and most comprehensive since its inception in 1862,” Additional Municipal Commissioner of Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation, R A Rajeev said.

“Two workshops have been conducted, and the plans have been cleared in concept by the Central Zoo Authority,” he said.

“We will enhance the zoo’s habitants with more animals from Australia, New Zealand and Africa and Asia,” Rajeev said.

“In fact the zoo is being restructured continentally, in the first such layout of any zoo in the country. The 52-acre plot handed over to BMC in 1873, will be regraphed continent-wise with efforts to locate the animals in surroundings close to their natural habitats,” he said.

Also the zoo’s topography which at present resembles a game reserve will receive a “beauty treatment” with the placement of a waterbody in the centre, better cages, educative mapping and varied flora.

Over the past two weeks, representatives of Bangkok-based HKS Designers and Consultants International Co Ltd and US-based landscape designers Portico Group had been sending proposals to the BMC for their approval.

“Now the master plan has been approved”, Rajeev said. “It about a 100-crore project and will evolve as it goes along. Hopefully everything will be ready sooner than the sesquicentennial year, everything is progressing smoothly.


VJBU is also a botanical park, with trees almost 200 years old and is a good two degrees cooler than outside its gates — a welcome relief for those wishing to stroll through.

“The Bhau Daji Lad Museum, renovated recently as part of the educative efforts,is awaiting inauguration... We wish it to be at the hands of the Prime Minister,” Rajeev said.

Another unique feature of the new plan “will be the two-tiered system of ticketing. With those willing to pay more being allowed to enter “zone two” which will have more exotic breeds,” he said.

The plan of the redesigned zoo, from HT
http://img250.imageshack.us/img250/92/09042007002007023200541qh7.jpg

More and more, builders are getting bolder and more interesting in their designs. Especially the medium-sized developers.

-----==--=--==-----

Project at Goregaon West, 40 stories:
http://img338.imageshack.us/img338/3360/40s2988mainhf1.jpg

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Project at Wadala, 42 stories:
http://img85.imageshack.us/img85/6927/42s2996mainrt8.jpg

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Project at Worli, 30 stories:
http://img85.imageshack.us/img85/1713/30s2994maintl4.jpg

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Project at Goregaon (West), 50 stories:
http://img85.imageshack.us/img85/8561/50s2991mainyw3.jpg

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Obviously these are prerenderings, and the designs aren't fully developed, but what is quite clear, is that each of these buildings are very unique. :)

-Jai

Thanks for them Jai, very interesting.

I like the plan for the zoo.

Jai........intersting renderings. I think all will get made except 30F Worli one. That looks too risky to built. They may not find the buyers.

kinda reminds me of the Honk Kong Subarbs

^^ who are the builders........?

Any news on the Mithi river clean up?

i.e. progress etc.

Thanks

Hi,

I've updated the Bombay Boom Rundown thread (http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=360628) with the following buildings:

~~~~~

Updated information for Oberoi Skyz, Worli: two towers of 65 stories each

http://img126.imageshack.us/img126/3627/81397285gp2xw3.jpg (http://img137.imageshack.us/img137/319/81397285gp2.jpg)

~~~~~

New Project! - Kumar Builders Unnamed Project, Mumbai: 56 storeys
http://img124.imageshack.us/img124/9545/image24se9bx7.jpg (http://img365.imageshack.us/img365/7331/image24se9.jpg)

~~~~~

Updated redesign and corrected height information for Sarvodaya Heights, Mulund: one tower of 52 stories, one tower of 45 storeys
http://img64.imageshack.us/img64/2486/image2oo2.jpg (http://img64.imageshack.us/img64/1343/image2yy3.jpg)

~~~~~

New Project! - Project at Goregaon West, Goregaon (West): 50 storeys
http://img238.imageshack.us/img238/3851/50s2991mainyw3cm0.jpg (http://img85.imageshack.us/img85/8561/50s2991mainyw3.jpg)

~~~~~

Updated new rendering of Raheja Excelsior, Haji Ali: 46 storeys
http://img391.imageshack.us/img391/881/image2ud5.jpg (http://img99.imageshack.us/img99/2958/2332627040061416106sgmxfz2.jpg) http://img299.imageshack.us/img299/1476/3zl1.jpg (http://img135.imageshack.us/img135/3081/rahejaexcelsiorlargeqc9.jpg)

~~~~~

Added new rendering, corrected building count for RNA @ Central Park, Chembur: four towers of 45 stories each.
http://img184.imageshack.us/img184/94/0te0.jpg (http://img134.imageshack.us/img134/2704/unknown2460mainil3.jpg) http://img409.imageshack.us/img409/4482/centralparkmm2.jpg

~~~~~

New Project! - Akruti Lakewoods, Thane: 45 storeys
http://img124.imageshack.us/img124/8931/akruitilakewoodbombayoliw6.jpg (http://img104.imageshack.us/img104/86/akruitilakewoodbombayol6.jpg) http://img380.imageshack.us/img380/849/58305094te5qa4.jpg (http://img370.imageshack.us/img370/139/58305094te5.jpg)

~~~~~

New Project! - Raj Grandeur, Powai: 42 storeys
http://img410.imageshack.us/img410/7350/86735541za2.jpg (http://img251.imageshack.us/img251/5907/53734242er1.jpg)

~~~~~

Added rendering for NG Royal Heights, Andheri: 42 stories
http://img76.imageshack.us/img76/2514/ngroyaloh0rc3.jpg (http://img479.imageshack.us/img479/3702/ngroyaloh0.jpg) http://img186.imageshack.us/img186/3720/0ru9.jpg (http://img325.imageshack.us/img325/1519/ngtower2140mainsc3.jpg)

~~~~~

New Project! - Residential Tower at Wadala, Wadala: 42 storeys
http://img85.imageshack.us/img85/6927/42s2996mainrt8.jpg (http://img85.imageshack.us/img85/6927/42s2996mainrt8.jpg)

~~~~~

New Project! - Project at Goregaon West, Goregaon (West): 40 storeys
http://img184.imageshack.us/img184/9416/image2pn9.jpg (http://img462.imageshack.us/img462/3324/image2tt5.jpg)

~~~~~

Added new rendering for Ariisto Heaven, Mulund: four towers of 38 stories each
http://img255.imageshack.us/img255/7313/ariistoheavenlx8ke8.jpg (http://img440.imageshack.us/img440/938/ariistoheaven2768mainbq1.jpg) http://img182.imageshack.us/img182/410/hopn9.jpg

~~~~~

Added new rendering for Sumer Trinity Towers, Prabhadevi: three towers of 36 stories each
http://img337.imageshack.us/img337/237/sumertrinitycv2ko0.jpg (http://img258.imageshack.us/img258/1862/sumertrinitycv2.jpg)

~~~~~

New Project! - Unnamed Lokhandwala Project, Mumbai: 35 storeys
http://img85.imageshack.us/img85/1048/79818872jo3.jpg (http://img85.imageshack.us/img85/1048/79818872jo3.jpg)

~~~~~

New Project! - Kalpataru Towers, Kandivali (East): 34 storeys
http://img358.imageshack.us/img358/8140/49244012ef6hs2.jpg (http://img409.imageshack.us/img409/3070/49244012ef6.jpg)

~~~~~

New Project! - Amethyst, Mulund: 34 storeys
http://img358.imageshack.us/img358/6148/40628515is1ph7.jpg (http://img413.imageshack.us/img413/9478/40628515is1.jpg)

~~~~~

New Project! - G. C. Complex, Thane: at least 26 buildings of 30 stories each, at least 3-2 buildings of 15 storeys each
http://img358.imageshack.us/img358/7719/004b6f0254cl2fk3.jpg (http://img147.imageshack.us/img147/5663/004b6f0254cl2.jpg) http://img358.imageshack.us/img358/9674/003b6ef610sc9sb0fh3.jpg (http://img147.imageshack.us/img147/8411/003b6ef610sc9.jpg)

~~~~~

New Project! - Rustomjee Athena, Thane (West): three towers of 30 storeys each
http://img150.imageshack.us/img150/3193/36010954cm0.jpg (http://img150.imageshack.us/img150/3193/36010954cm0.jpg)

~~~~~

Added rendering for Lodha Grandeur, Tulsi Pipe Road, Mumbai: ~30 storeys
http://img150.imageshack.us/img150/2097/build29uo.jpg (http://img109.imageshack.us/img109/50/lodhagrandeur0nq.jpg) http://img395.imageshack.us/img395/9103/grandeurpers15d46b9mm3ss4.jpg (http://img153.imageshack.us/img153/38/grandeurpers15d46b9mm3.jpg)

~~~~~

Added new rendering for Oberoi Commerz, Mumbai: 32 storeys.
http://img255.imageshack.us/img255/6741/oberoicommerzekl7kj7.jpg (http://img255.imageshack.us/img255/3746/oberoicommerzekl7hu4.jpg) http://img19.imageshack.us/img19/8932/oberoicommerzview1nl1hs2.jpg (http://img264.imageshack.us/img264/663/oberoicommerzview1nl1.jpg)

~~~~~

New Project! - Residential Project at Worli, Worli: 30 storeys
http://img238.imageshack.us/img238/6518/image3wv8.jpg (http://img238.imageshack.us/img238/2076/image3og5.jpg)

~~~~~

Added new rendering for Sanghvi Heights, : 26 stories
http://img242.imageshack.us/img242/9066/image1cv6.jpg (http://img129.imageshack.us/img129/1046/sanghviheights2380mainky4.jpg)

~~~~~

New Project! - Interface Heights, Malad: seven towers of 25 storeys each
http://img387.imageshack.us/img387/5174/11img5bf364c6ey4ag8.jpg (http://img115.imageshack.us/img115/9555/11img5bf364c6ey4.jpg)

~~~~~

New Project! - Anmol Annex, Goregaon (West): 25 stories
http://img399.imageshack.us/img399/360/anmolannex32mo6.jpg (http://img399.imageshack.us/img399/360/anmolannex32mo6.jpg)

Cheers,
Jai

we neeed more 60+

Mumbai tops must-see list (http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/18076034/)
TODAY's Peter Greenberg reports from the city formerly known as Bombay

By Peter Greenberg
TODAY Travel Editor
Updated: 12:24 p.m. PT April 12, 2007

Peter Greenberg
TODAY Travel Editor

Here’s the bad news: The drive from the airport into Mumbai, India can sometimes take three hours. And, once there, the traffic get worse.

Now the good news: You still need to go there, and the sooner the better. The country is experiencing near double-digit economic growth. And expansion and construction sites are virtually everywhere. It has an amazing train system.

http://img167.imageshack.us/img167/2555/070412mumbaimarkethmed1vk1.jpg
The Crawford Market is Mumbai's oldest and one of the most popular.

More and more airlines are flying there. More hotels and resorts are being built. Beach areas are being developed.

Welcome to India, on the top of my list of must-experience, affordable and accessible destinations.

Ever hear of Jet Airways? Kingfisher? Both are relatively new airlines offering great affordable service to and within India.

How about hotel rooms for $75 a night on the beach? And then there’s connectivity. India is now a wired nation — and a wireless one. Each month, more than seven million new cellphone numbers are issued. That’s right, seven million.

Of course, there’s the infrastructure — the sheer size of the country can be daunting, especially the condition of the roads. But no problem — smart travelers pack light and take the train. And for longer journeys, the plane.

And the plane offers some surprises. Recently I took a flight on Jet Airways (it has more than 300 flights daily to 44 destinations in India and Europe) between Delhi and Mumbai, a flight lasting barely more than 90 minutes. It was a 737, densely packed with passengers. And then, the meal service: linen tablecloths and a three-course meal on china. In coach!

http://img264.imageshack.us/img264/2660/070412mumbaiscenichmed1we3.jpg
Boats sail during international boat show in Mumbai

That was my introduction to Mumbai, formerly Bombay.

Mumbai has a fascinating history. The Portuguese gave it away in the 17th century. The British inherited it and leased it out for just 10 pounds a year to a private firm, the East India Company. And that company transformed Bombay into the trading headquarters for the west coast of the country.

And it’s been that way ever since.

Service in India is intoxicating. You will be spoiled to the point of not being happy anywhere else in the world. There is no language problem. If you want it, it will be provided — from great shopping to every kind of food (at the Taj Mahal Palace hotel in Mumbai, my recommendation is Wasabi, a world class sushi restaurant).

In a three-day trip, I hit the Chor and Zaveri bazaars (no reason NOT to do your Christmas shopping early). The Chor (“thieves market” is a wild circus of shops, mosques, temples, narrow streets and very cool stuff: antiques, clocks, brass lamps, and furniture. (Tip: Don’t go on Fridays. Most of the bazaar is closed). Looking for bling? Zaveria bazaar is loaded with gold, silver and jewelry workshops.

Perhaps the most surprising development in Indian tourism is that the country has quietly (and now proactively) become one of a number of countries (including Argentina and Thailand) actively promoting itself as a dedicated destination for medical tourism. Surgery ranging from hip replacements and heart surgery to kidney transplants offered in state of the art hospitals, with a pre- or post-operative vacation thrown in — for one third to one fourth the cost of the operation back in the United States.

And the numbers keep growing. As well as the tourists. And where are the travelers coming from? The number of American visitors is slowly growing. But the real tourism push is regional. Consider this: Two years ago, the number of weekly flights between China and India was eight. Today, there are more than 58!

Remember, that’s just regional tourism. Now, imagine what those flight connections will be like 18 months from now.

And a modified government open-skies policy is making more and more flights from the U.S. —and routes — possible. In the U.S. Continental, American and Delta each fly nonstops to India. And more flights are being planned.

Bottom line: If you can live with the traffic — and yes, it is a challenge — India is worth a visit now. Again, take trains and planes and see a country that is at a delicate, threshold moment of travel and tourism— where service and attitude have not yet been destroyed by further development.

Peter Greenberg is TODAY's travel editor. His column appears weekly on TODAYshow.com. Visit his Web site at PeterGreenberg.com.

Skyline Residency, Ghatkopar is completed

http://img383.imageshack.us/img383/9070/skylineoasisghatkoparslr4.jpg

Raheja Acropolis II

http://img329.imageshack.us/img329/79/rahejacropolis2stg6.png

Skyline Epitome, Ghatkopar

http://img329.imageshack.us/img329/5021/skylineepitomeox0.jpg

Some recent pics showing u/c skyscrapers clustering around the Tardeo area:

http://img90.imageshack.us/img90/4940/monsoonsbycappuccinocrajy5.jpg

(Ignore the Michael Chiklis looking guy) ;)
http://img479.imageshack.us/img479/2495/43787671996c92d568ao467zv3.jpg

http://img50.imageshack.us/img50/2492/378156797d516d420e0o6e2du6.jpg



And the best pic of them all (since its the most recent -- only 2 days old!):
http://img267.imageshack.us/img267/2120/45797143295037522aco6aazo0.jpg

-----==--=--==------

Also, have I posted this? I dunno where I got it from, but I uploaded it on my youtube:
Mumbai Skyline:
YS8pitVtd1E

-----==--=--==------


BTW guys, be sure to check out
Skyscraperpage.com's Mumbai -- Project News and Developments thread (http://forum.skyscraperpage.com/showthread.php?t=126768). It's getting lonely there :(

-Jai

man, thats definitely a rising skyline.

[QUOTE=Jai;12655499]Some recent pics showing u/c skyscrapers clustering around the Tardeo area:

And the best pic of them all (since its the most recent -- only 2 days old!):
http://img267.imageshack.us/img267/2120/45797143295037522aco6aazo0.jpg

^^ This is a beautiful pic....the rising ( downtown-like) skyline in the distance coupled with colonial mumbai in the foreground are amazing in contrast:)

:ohno:

PROPERTY STANDOFF - Stop the stadium, or pay the price
...so says State government. Worli site was meant for public us.

HT Epaper 14 Apr 07

Madhurima Nandy
Mumbai

THE AIR-CONDITIONED, Olympic-sized indoor sports stadium coming up at Worli is in trouble. The state government’s Urban Land Ceiling Department (ULCD) has written to the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), the owner of the land, asking it to put the project on hold.

http://img440.imageshack.us/img440/8374/140420070010270028572a4hl4.jpg

S.R. Jhondale, additional collector with ULCD, told HT: “The project should be stopped because the stadium is coming up on land declared surplus under the Urban Land Ceiling Regulation Act (ULCRA). It is meant for public use.” The letter states that the government will acquire the land — 65,000 sq mt — which not only comprises the stadi um, but also slums scattered across the rear of the plot.

The multi-crore project, spearheaded by the National Sports Club of India (NSCI), replaces the over 50-year-old Vallabhbhai Patel Stadium.

Jhondale said the govern ment would decide what to do with the land after it is ac quired. However, the govern ment could also ask NSCI, which had leased the land from the BMC, to buy the land as per the market rate. Con servative esti mates put the price at Rs 650 crore.

When the proj ect began in early 2004, the land had already been de clared surplus by the ULCD. Once this is done, the government usually acquires it. However, the ULCD took no action for three years.


It was only after the state decided to repeal ULCRA last year did the department proactively start acquiring land. Civic chief Johny Joseph said: “The land is reserved for a recreation ground, by which 15 per cent of it can be used for non-sporting activity I will have to check if the stadium . has taken up more land.” According to the ULCD, as the stadium occupies over half the total plot and would also be used for commercial activity the , NSCI should have asked for the government’s permission or paid up. Secondly the , BMC, owner of the land and the sanctioning authority for any development proposal, shouldn’t have okayed the project.

NSCI’s central treasurer J.K. Mehta, though, claimed that they had all the necessary permissions. If the Worli land is acquired, it will probably be the biggest and last major ULCD acquisition.
http://img440.imageshack.us/img440/6042/14042007001027856d95cxb9.th.jpg (http://img440.imageshack.us/my.php?image=14042007001027856d95cxb9.jpg) http://img248.imageshack.us/img248/9910/14042007006002862c686sz9.th.jpg (http://img248.imageshack.us/my.php?image=14042007006002862c686sz9.jpg)

Scramble for ULC land to begin
HT Epaper 14 Apr 07

Madhurima Nandy
Mumbai

http://img411.imageshack.us/img411/4989/85062729hj3.jpg

THE CABINET’S decision on Thursday to repeal the Urban Land (Ceiling and Regulation) Act, 1976, will now lead to what could be the biggest scramble for land in land-starved Mumbai.

In Mumbai alone, the state government is sitting on more than 900 acres of land, which has been added to its kitty in the last one year. Government agencies have started eyeing these land banks, which the ULC department acquired as surplus land from private landholders.

Though city builders have been demanding the Act be scrapped saying that more land coming in would mean more housing stock which would ensure correction of rising property prices. However, that seems to be a distant dream. Government agencies would get priority over private developers in getting land for infrastructure projects.

Additional chief secretary Ramanand Tiwari said they have been approached by the Mumbai Metropolitan Regional Development Authority (MMRDA) to hand over some of the land. “We have al ready distributed some land. Now, the government has to decide what needs to be done with this land. We are considering MMRDA’s request.” Joint Metropolitan Commissioner, MMRDA, Milind Mhaiskar admitted that they have requested the government on various occasions to hand over some land. “We need a lot of land for people who get displaced because of projects. It would be good if we get vacant land the government has got under ULC.” Since ULCRA’s inception in 1976, the government acquired some 1,400 acres till June 30, 2006. However, between June last year and February 900 acres , were acquired as the government felt urgency to rope in as much land as possible before the Act was repealed. The purpose of the law, which was to surrender surplus land to the government, was defeated since huge chunks were given to developers.

According to S.R. Jhondale, Additional Collector (ULC): “Most of the acquired land were occupied by slums but the title is in the government’s possession now.”
http://img401.imageshack.us/img401/4737/1404200700600485d3162uy1.th.jpg (http://img401.imageshack.us/my.php?image=1404200700600485d3162uy1.jpg)

What's this B'vli -> Nariman Pt water transport he's talking about?

STATE BUDGET - CM unveils more makeover plans
HT Epaper 14 Apr 07

Ketaki Ghoge
Mumbai

http://img134.imageshack.us/img134/2908/54782517xd1.jpg

IN A bid to lend credibility to the slum rehabilitation schemes, riddled with frauds, Chief Minister Vilasrao Deshmukh on Friday said that developers interested in taking up slum rehabilitation projects would henceforth have to be scrutinised and rated by an independent body .

Deshmukh said developers and NGOs involved in slum rehabilitation would have to be rated by a third party. He was replying to a debate on Mumbai, in the State Legislative Assembly Speaking about Mumbai’s makeover plans and its inherent problems, he made oftrepeated promises, assuring legislators a better city by 2009, when the state goes to the polls.

This, he said, could be a solution to complaints against developers and NGOs. The slum rehabilitation schemes will also be subjected to a third-party audit. “These are some of the ideas we have included in the new housing policy. There will be a meeting of concerned legislators in May to discuss the policy,’’ he said.

He said the state was looking at intensifying the drive against illegal slums by granting the civic body dedicated police force. Another important announcement was the plan to develop gaothans in the city by amending development control rules. Among the infrastructure projects, Deshmukh made a special note of water transport for Mumbai — from Borivili to Nariman Point.
http://img248.imageshack.us/img248/6733/14042007006013863a3e6xt4.th.jpg (http://img248.imageshack.us/my.php?image=14042007006013863a3e6xt4.jpg)

SESSION IN PROGRESS - Dharavi tenders out in 1 month
The govt has called a meeting of MLAs to finalise the housing policy

DNA Epaper 14 Apr 07
Prashant Hamine

Tenders for the Rs5,600 crore Dharavi redevelopment project are to be floated within a month. This was declared by Chief Minister Vilasrao Deshmukh in the legislative assembly on Friday. He was responding to the debate raised by the opposition on Thursday.

Commenting on the government’s decision to construct 16 flyovers worth Rs421 crore, Deshmukh stated that the government wants them to be ready before 2008. Deshmukh said 13 projects worth Rs121 crore, aimed at putting a water transport system in place had been referred to the Centre for approval. Besides, five other projects worth Rs22 crore are awaiting Centre’s approval.

As for improving the suburban railway services, he said that under the Rs4,526crore MUTP project new rakes with increased passenger capacity and facili ties like air blowers will arrive in the next two years.

The government shall cooperate with the BMC by providing police force for carrying out demolition of illegal encroachments.

Commenting upon the com plaints being received by elected representatives about the role of developers and builders coming forward to construct affordable tenements for the poor, the Chief Minister stated that the government intends to hire the services of a company to do a standardised rating list of these builders and developers. Deshmukh added that a similar rating of NGOs, engaged in helping the poor in obtaining affordable housing, will also be done.

Stating that the middleclass is always ignored in the housing policy, Desh mukh stated that the Centre has approved the construction of 23,000 flats under JNNURM, which the government intends to provide at an affordable cost of Rs3 to Rs3.5 lakh.

Deshmukh announced that the government soon intends to call all MLAs from Mumbai, Pune, Aurangabad and Nagpur for a discussion, before it gives final shape to its housing policy.
http://img405.imageshack.us/img405/5051/140420070070171lk1.th.jpg (http://img405.imageshack.us/my.php?image=140420070070171lk1.jpg)

Not sure if this has been posted

Dreams Residential Towers, Mumbai
and the Dreams Mall 1.1-million-square-foot

15 buildings of 20 storeys each

http://img373.imageshack.us/img373/231/otismumbaiux5.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

The Mumbai make over plans is made to sound so easy. :lol:

We all wish we had a magic wand and rid the problems but its not that easy I think as there are so many people in Mumbai and so little land :bash:

There is alot more to be done in Mumbai that meets the eye and the CM list is just the tip of the ice-burg. Alot more needs to be done about housing in all income groups as well as the slums. Public transport, the roads, rail and open places to say the least. Projects are underway or at the planning stages which is good.

Then of course the projects will get delayed and referred to the Courts as its not in the public interest or an election comes up delaying things yet further or some excuse to stop progress. Take the airport and now the Studium as examples. :nuts:

There needs to be a masterplan like what Delhi is doing, dont know it Mumbai has a masterplan that looks into housing, infrastructure etc.

Good luck CM and Mumbai! :cheers:

(Ignore the Michael Chiklis looking guy)

oh my god i've been rumbled

^^^^
is that u??

Hi

This is a very informative article. Main points:

Reliance Tower, Altamount Rd.
• Looks like the 42 storey Ambani building u/c iat Altamount Rd is to called "Antilla Residence"
• According to this article, it's built with some Singapore-based developer. A previous news article said the building was designed by a Singapore-based architect as well.
• This article also states it will be 245m(!) in height, one of the tallest u/c buildings in Mumbai.
• Here are some images of this building, I took from the older NDTV video:
http://img313.imageshack.us/img313/5151/1ak9py8.jpg http://img313.imageshack.us/img313/5219/2gt3pt3.jpg

• http://img398.imageshack.us/img398/836/emotiiamlj8.gif Does anyone have any ideas on the Singapore developer and architect? http://img398.imageshack.us/img398/836/emotiiamlj8.gif


K Raheja's Chattan, Altamount Rd.
• Once again we read another reference to this u/c building, 'Chattan', but we still don't have any word on the project from their website or an official rendering!
• This building was posted on a property website as "Raheja One Altamount Road." Is this Chattan?:
http://img164.imageshack.us/img164/7778/rahejaonealtamountroad5id5fd.jpg

-------==--=--==-------
Corporate head honchos, industrial bigwigs race to build paradise buildings (http://www.financialexpress.com/fe_full_story.php?content_id=161476)
MONA MEHTA & SANJAY JOG
Posted online: Wednesday, April 18, 2007 at 0000 hours IST

MUMBAI, APR 17 : Developing high-end buildings for private use is fast catching up among industrialists. Reliance Industries CMD Mukesh Ambani, Videocon Industries chairman Venugopal Dhoot, JSW Steel's Sajjan Jindal, Kasliwal brothers, Nitin and Vikas of S Kumars are some among a long list of corporate honchos who are moving to their dream residences. Mukesh Ambani and his family will shift from their Sea Wind reidence in Cuffe Parade to Antilia Residence in Altamount Road by November 2008. Antilia Residence is a typical high-end building. It will have six floors of parking space, four floors of gardens, an entertainment floor, two floors of apartments for guests and has seven lifts. Construction is in full swing and is scheduled to be completed by November 2008. Mukesh Ambani has tied up with Leighton Asia, a Singapore-based developer for building Antilia Residence for a whopping Rs 400 crore.

Dhoot has already initiated work for the development of a 12-storeyed high-end residential building for private use at Mahalakshmi in North Central Mumbai. Spread over 2 lakh sq ft of space, the building will have two to three floors for parking, two residential floors, one floor each for a ballroom, an entertainment zone and a fitness centre.

According to Dhoot, “Consultants and developers from Dubai have approached us for our expertise in architecture and development. Since we own the land in Mahalaxmi, we would be investing Rs 100 to Rs 200 crore in development. Our new residential building would be based on the similar lines of Antilia Residence, a 245-metre residential building being developed by Mukesh Ambani at Altamount Road.”

Pranay Vakil, chairman, Knight Frank India, residing at Olympus, a building opposite Antilia Residence said, “The prices of the existing residential buildings is between Rs 25,000 and Rs 35,000 per sq ft. Now that Altamount Road and Carmichael Road are considered the most expensive areas in India, the new buildings will bear a price of Rs 50,000 per sq ft.” For example, K Raheja Universal’s residential project, Chattan, which is currently under construction on Altamount Road will command a similar price. Although a stretch of Carmichael Road, Peddar Road and Altamount Road house big estates belonging to the likes of Birlas, Mafatlals and Dahanukars, corporate leaders are shifting base to the sprawling Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC). Sajjan Jindal of JSW Steel proposes to investment Rs 300 crore to Rs 500 crore for the development of a high-end building at BKC.

The Kasliwal brothers have also launched an initiative to construct an apartment complex for private use at Lower Parel.

Raj Kumar, head, residential projects, TrammelCrow Megharaj, indicated that more and more corporate leaders are to join the bandwagon. According to him, the new trend is to catch on all over the country.
-------==--=--==-------

An observation: according to the renderings shown on NDTV of Reliance Tower/Antilla Residence, its to be approx 42 stories and 245 meters tall: a whopping ~6 meters / storey. Hence the building will look a helluva lot taller than an average 42 storey building when it is built. Seeing as the average building in India has 3.5m/floor, this 245m tall building will be the equivalent of a "normal" 70 storey building!

http://img146.imageshack.us/img146/9503/sdtowers3edej1.jpg

To put i perspective, The Imperial twin towers u/c, the tallest building in Mumbai in terms of highest number livable floors (65) is to be 252m each; the Reliance tower will be only 6m shorter!)


This increasing of storey height is seemingly a new trend in Mumabi. An example is Lodha Bellissimo. Thought 'only' 50 storeys, since the height of each storey is significantly larger than The Imperial's, the roof height (though not highest number-storey height) is taller than Imperial.

Another example is Palais Royale (http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?p=11785366&highlight=Royale#post11785366) (which I'd forgotten to add to the Bombay Boom rundown thread) planned by the Vikas Kasliwal of Shree Ram Mills. This 700ft/213m building, because it has a higher floor height, only boasts ~ 50 stories as well.

http://img264.imageshack.us/img264/6827/93199294df2.jpg


Can anyone find this article on Financial Expresses epaper (http://expressindia.com/epaper)? You can use this free login ID/pass (bugmenot.com/view/www.expressindia.com) to try. I'm having no luck. :( There might be a picture that shows a rendering or something...

Cheers,
Jai

How cool! I think these buildings explain the construction in that area of Mumbai as there are some mystery buildings going up.

Also these tall buildings are just for private use? meaning it will just be for the respective families?

Another article. More points:
• Glad to see my estimation of the height (42 stories) was about right. Judging by how builders count floors, the 42 stories may not count the podium, and hence may be a bit taller
• It will be a green building, literally as well, with greenery going all the way up to the 40th floor
• To answer Cov Boy's question, the top four floors are to be the Ambanis'. The rest will be residential
• To answer my question, the architect is US-based Perkins & Will (http://www.perkinswill.com/). Armed with this new information, I've done some more digging. It seems Perkins and Will won a Distinguished Building Award 2006, an award "to recognize significant achievements in the planning, design and execution of recent building projects", for their design of the Reliance Group Headquarters Building in mumbai:
http://img443.imageshack.us/img443/4153/com07602reliance50c58dkh9.jpg
• I still can't find a damned better rendering of the Ambani tower.>(

-------==--=--==-------

Mukesh's new home is a Rs 400-cr hanging garden (http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/Mukeshs_new_home_is_a_Rs_400-cr_hanging_garden/articleshow/1922697.cms)
RAJEEV JAYASWAL & PIYUSH PANDEY

TIMES NEWS NETWORK[ THURSDAY, APRIL 19, 2007 12:58:24 AM]

NEW DELHI/MUMBAI: You may have only heard about ‘the Hanging Gardens of Babylon’; but you can actually see the new ‘Hanging Garden of Mumbai’ under construction, and at a blistering pace at that. We are talking about the future residence of Reliance group chairman Mukesh Ambani on South Mumbai’s Tony Altamount Road.

Mr Ambani is expected to shift to his new residence by the end of 2008, when the 40-storey building would be completed. “The construction work is on at full pace, two floors are being added every 10-12 days,” a source close to the development told ET. The project cost is estimated at around Rs 400 crore.

Even as the building plans have been kept under wraps, sources say that the Ambanis’ new residence will have little less than 1 lakh square feet of built-up area (the cost of one square floor of space on Altamount Road is stated to be around Rs 18,000-20,000 per sq foot) with facilities comparable to any five-star hotel.

The building will be green, literally so. The tower, when completed, will look like a vertical garden with creepers going all the way to the 40th floor reflecting Mr Ambani’s love for greenery. The top four floors are designated as the core family residence with there will be health club and swimming pool in the intervening floors.

The bottom six floors will be dedicated to parking. Similarly, separate floors are being planned for the kitchen, laundry and other services, sources said. The entire building will be covered by a Wi-Fi system. For rest and recreation, it will have a mini-auditorium where the Ambanis can watch movies along with friends. The tall building will have both indoor and outdoor swimming pools besides a gym, a library (study) and other facilities.

In every aspect, bar one, it will be a dream house for Mr Ambani. His dream of having a helipad on top of the building may not come true. The government is unlikely to give permission, sources said. While, the US-based Perkins & Wills is the architect, the building project is said to be executed by a Singapore-based firm which has been involved in Reliance’s various construction works.

^Hmm, didn't know that. Perkins + Will is one of my favorite firms and they almost always do great work.

Thanks for all the info.

Yeah, l like em' too. I left Chicago just when Skybridge was being built. A great building.

• I still can't find a damned better rendering of the Ambani tower.>(

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Mukesh's new home is a Rs 400-cr hanging garden (http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/Mukeshs_new_home_is_a_Rs_400-cr_hanging_garden/articleshow/1922697.cms)

Your answer lies in that article.

Even as the building plans have been kept under wraps

Yeah

I was hoping at least the architect's website may sneak in one. Oh well

I hope they make this bldg as true green. Mukesh needs to set example by constructing most energy efficient building. Anyway he is spending tons of money on this, little extra will help save the earth!
Mukesh's new home is a Rs 400-cr hanging garden.
The building will be green, literally so

Mumabikars - need your help...

Where are these towers? Govind Niwas, Chattan, One Altamount, Ispat?

Here are my guesses -(excluding 1 Altamount)

http://img163.imageshack.us/img163/7218/woodlandzmumbaichattanmxy9.jpg

Mumabikars - need your help...

Where are these towers? Govind Niwas, Chattan, One Altamount, Reliance, Ispat?

Here are my guesses -(excluding 1 Altamount)

http://img163.imageshack.us/img163/7218/woodlandzmumbaichattanmxy9.jpg

Rising Worli skyline. Check out the progress on Beaumonde!!

-Jai

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by mailophobia @ webshots:

http://img245.imageshack.us/img245/3465/465326983a9afa33d38o6f8kx8.jpg

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And those two towers u/c on the right are probably the RNA Mirage and Raheja Legend.

Mumabikars - need your help...

Where are these towers? Govind Niwas, Chattan, One Altamount, Reliance, Ispat?

Here are my guesses -(excluding 1 Altamount)

http://img163.imageshack.us/img163/7218/woodlandzmumbaichattanmxy9.jpg

amazing angle

uhh im not sure if you want the exact locationis but the seem to be located around nepansy road, hanging gardens and near malabar hill

edit: not so much malabar hill though

http://www.dnaindia.com/report.asp?NewsID=1091953

Mini Manhattan in the making
Rajshri Mehta
Friday, April 20, 2007 00:12 IST

Till now buildings in this most-coveted address did not exceed 11 floors. Not anymore.
In a few months time, the city’s priciest office real estate — Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC) is all set to become a mini Manhattan.
The cash-strapped Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) has decided to raise the permissible developable area at BKC from 2 to 4. Meaning, a developer will now be able to construct up to four times the plot area. So depending on the plot size, buildings touching up to 17 floors can be constructed.

A notification calling for public objections and suggestions to amend the Development Control Rules, to increase the floor space index (FSI) potential for BKC, will soon be issued by the state government.

The move is significant as it needs funds to finance projects like Metro and flyovers. “Since we cannot reclaim land, our only option was to raise the plot’s development potential. Sale of vacant plots at BKC is our only source of revenue. So we decided to commercially exploit it to raise the required in-house funds,” said T Chandrashekhar, MMRDA Commissioner, acknowledging they had temporarily stalled sale bids of three plots (two commercial and one hotel) to be opened today in order to avail of higher value for their land.

“We had no desire to go with a begging bowl to the World Bank to finance our projects,” he added. The new rule will benefit buildings that would be constructed on vacant plots and existing buildings wanting to add more space.

As per the development control rules framed for BKC, the MMRDA decides the development potential of a plot depending on the plot size and location. The MMRDA does not sell land but the area (in sqft) that one can be developed on a plot as per the current market rate. The MMRDA hopes to raise at least Rs25,000 crore by selling floor space of about 30 hectares in the market.

Incidentally, the decision was made possible with the Civil Aviation Ministry’s nod to ease height restrictions on buildings at BKC. Till recently, a developer could construct a building up to 37 mts or 11 floors. The ministry has now increased it to 60 mts, than 48 mts as the MMRDA had requested.

Asked on the impact (of higher FSI) on the existing civic infrastructure, Chandrashekhar replied there would be none. “Traffic will be taken care of by the metro rail planned at BKC. Reliance Energy and Tata Power have their distributions stations. The area has adequate civic infrastructure. Also, with MMRDA controlling the architecture layout right from the kind of façade to elevation to material used in buildings at BKC, planning will be taken care of,” said Chandrashekhar.

Considering the increase in floor space means an increase in land available for commercial development, what does it mean to the booming office real estate? Currently, one has to shell out about Rs400 a sq ft as rent and about 35,000 a sqft for buying an office premise at BKC.

“While higher floor space does increase the land availability, it also doubles the cost of land. As the supply (of office space) will not immediate, there will not be much significant impact on the pricing,” said Pawan Swamy, President (Corporate Services and International Business group) with global property consultants Trammel Crow Meghraj, acknowledging the rates (for office space) are on the higher side. “Considering BKC is the most sought after destination from financial institutions, we do hope for a rationalisation in the market,” Swamy added.

Wow! thanks for the up-dates. Good idea to increase the FSI in BKC. I think the FSI should be rasied throughtout Mumbai.

Great progress of Beaumonde & cant wait to see the rending of Reliance's new tower.

only in India is 17 floors considered manhattan-like

yaa. Media got bored with comparing Mumbai with Shanghai so manhattan is a new buzz word!
only in India is 17 floors considered manhattan-like

I hope Mukesh Ambani gets to include a helipad at his new residence. He has been denied permission as of now, but if it gets built, then it will be a significant inclusion in Mumbai;s skyline which others might imitate too.

only in India is 17 floors considered manhattan-like

Not Manhattan. But "Mini Manhattan". Reminds me of a funny movie.

:lol:

only in India is 17 floors considered manhattan-like

Nariman Point is also considered a mini Manhattan :lol:

Cuffe Parade only comes close to a mini Manhattan I think but however Tardeo is fast becoming a mini Manhattan, perhaps even Worli?

yaa. Media got bored with comparing Mumbai with Shanghai so manhattan is a new buzz word!

True.

This local newspaper once featured an article on Andheri's skyline .. and they titled it "India's answer to Manhattan" .. i was like WTF!

Dharavi makeover now a model for the world (http://cities.expressindia.com/fullstory.php?newsid=232655)
Kavitha Iyer

Mumbai, April 20: THAT global eyes and camera lenses are focusing on Dharavi is not new—from The Chicago Tribune to BBC News, everybody has been visiting. Still, if there remained any doubt about the intense world interest in Dharavi’s future, these can now be put to rest. The May 2007 issue of National Geographic has put Dharavi on the cover, in a feature titled “India’s Shadow City”.

Reporting on the poor living in “some of India’s hottest real estate”, National Geographic writer Mark Jacobson and photo-journalist Jonas Bendiksen tell an evocative story of the lakhs residing in “the most diverse of slums, arguably the most diverse neighbourhood in Mumbai, India’s most diverse city”.

Advertisement
The article chronicles the slum’s quirky people and their impossible fantasies, their politics and their festivities. It also recounts some continuing, defiant opposition to the redevelopment plan to rehouse 57,000 families in 225-sq-foot homes, to be built by investing real estate developers.

Meanwhile, the project management consultant Mukesh Mehta is in New York, attending the mid-year meeting of the Clinton Global Initiative, where he’s sharing experiences with global icons from fields including poverty alleviation and housing. “This is only the beginning,” he said, speaking to Newsline from the Lincoln Center, NY.

“I’m fascinated by the idea that we can make this model work elsewhere. I think India could just be a torchbearer for slum rehabilitation the world over.” Already, he says, propelled by the keen interest Dharavi has generated, other Indian states’ administrators have invited him, proposing to embrace the same strategy for their big cities.

Just after making plans to meet the Nat Geo team for lunch, perhaps in Brooklyn where one of them lives, Mehta—described in the feature as an urban planner and architect, who returned to Mumbai after years of building top-end mansions in the US, and also somebody with the “fanciful” idea of golf courses and a stadium in Dharavi—says the potential to replicate the Dharavi model is “vast”. Clearly, the interest is not just in a big real estate killing—Asian planners faced with slums and urban housing challenges are looking at what could become a model.

Back in Mumbai, the expressions of interest documents will be released in weeks, officials promise.

^^ Here's the full article on Dharavi which is going to be out in May

http://www7.nationalgeographic.com/ngm/0705/feature3/multimedia.html






.

only in India is 17 floors considered manhattan-like

The city will be full of mid-rise stuff before there is a chance to build anything bigger at this rate :)

I wonder, is that a problem?

All real estate space being filled up wth 11 story residential blocks before any glass tower boom kicks off...

nice link

Is the limit of 17 floors just because the airport is very near to the BK complex. ?Maybe thats why the height restriction.

Elsewhere in mumbai all the buildings u/c or recently finished are almost over 25 floors and above.

That's definetly why. Otherwise the BKC would be 60-100F in the new proposal.

amazing angle

uhh im not sure if you want the exact locationis but the seem to be located around nepansy road, hanging gardens and near malabar hill

edit: not so much malabar hill though


Amazing angle is right...its almost like this picture was taken from SD at tardeo. anyone know if it was?

Also its Napean Sea Road :-) i used to spell it exactly that way when i was a kid, until i saw the steet sign..

First to give you a rough idea....three roads...Carmichael Road (closest to Enterprise Apts) , Peddar Road(the main traffic road) and Breach Candy run roughly parallel to each other. Breach Candy is closest to the sea.

Breach Candy road becomes Napean Sea Road, roughly between Kanchengunga and Mont Blanc.(so you kinda get a feel for where it is)
Peddar road in this picture , starts where you have ISPAT (location looks to be right) and goes on to be the road between Woodlands and Kanchengunga(not marked but i'm sure u recognize it). ISPAT is right next to Jaslok hospital (can't be seen in this picture) again on Peddar road.

Carmichael road is at the highest elevation, higher than peddar road, and higher than napean sea/Breach Candy road. There are a number of steep roads that connect between carmichael road and peddar road at regular intervals.

In this picture, carmichael road starts at the buildings to the right of Enterprise (the small white buildings), heads towards Prithvi, and then turns sharply right , and down, and *before* Govind Nivas and Chattan to (approximately) where Woodlands is.

At this junction(carmichael, and peddar road), Altamount road starts. If i remember correctly, altamount road starts at the far end of carmichael road ( the far end which is roughly near Woodlands) and then altamount road runs roughly perpendicular and to carmichael road and then curves back sharply to were it is almost parallel to carmichael road , and ends in forget hill (pronounced For-JET) where Enterprise is, at which point it is completely parallel to carmichael road.. but on a different hill :-) and there is no quick way to get between the two. So Enterprise is on forget hill, and the small white buildings on carmichael road. Confoosing ?? :-) It is.
of course *none* of these roads are straight. All of them are very curvy...but in general we can consider them to be parallel.

1 Altamount..where you have it look like its halfway on Carmichael Road and that looks to be wrong. Reliance looks to be almost certainly on Peddar road or Carmichael Road. Possibly on one of those steep roads connecting the two. Carmichael road is an extremely posh residential area. I'd be surprised if Reliance is built on carmichael road.

Govind nivas and Chattan (where marked ) are on Altamount Road. Which means, imo, 1 Altamount should be much closer to Woodlands and Kanchengunga(sp?) iThat i believe is where Altamount road starts.(i.e it should be "behind" Govind Nivas).

There my $0.02.

Oh and all those green trees you see behind prithvi is Malabar hill

Some recent pics showing u/c skyscrapers clustering around the Tardeo area:

http://img90.imageshack.us/img90/4940/monsoonsbycappuccinocrajy5.jpg

(Ignore the Michael Chiklis looking guy) ;)
http://img479.imageshack.us/img479/2495/43787671996c92d568ao467zv3.jpg

http://img50.imageshack.us/img50/2492/378156797d516d420e0o6e2du6.jpg



And the best pic of them all (since its the most recent -- only 2 days old!):
http://img267.imageshack.us/img267/2120/45797143295037522aco6aazo0.jpg

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Also, have I posted this? I dunno where I got it from, but I uploaded it on my youtube:
Mumbai Skyline:
YS8pitVtd1E

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BTW guys, be sure to check out
Skyscraperpage.com's Mumbai -- Project News and Developments thread (http://forum.skyscraperpage.com/showthread.php?t=126768). It's getting lonely there :(

-Jai


Nice pictures...did you take those?

I guess you had lunch at the Marine plaza then ? :)

Hi

Unfortunately, no :( Those are all cross posts from the Mumbai cityscapes thread, originally posted by people at various photo hosting sites. (Credits are all in the cityscape threads)

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Mantri Group Project, Bhandup, Mumbai
http://img100.imageshack.us/img100/4238/bhandup5e531e1dx7.jpg

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Project by Kalpataru Construction, Kandivali, Mumbai
http://img242.imageshack.us/img242/9114/perspective25f93933bx3.jpg

http://img242.imageshack.us/img242/9350/perspective15f946b0yi0.jpg

http://img223.imageshack.us/img223/3268/kandivaliview16047e07hw0.jpg

Located in Kandivali, Mumbai, this 484 unit development epitomises garden living. Built over two phases, the two-bedroom and 2 + 1 bedroom apartments are nestled in lush, green surroundings. The landscaping of this project is extremely extravagent – the club house and external landscaping is seamlessly integrated – cascading infinity pools seem to flow into the clubhouse, blurring the lines between internal and external space. Shaded walkways meander around the development enveloping it in a tropical oasis.

Aimed at the growing middle-class albeit offering qualities and amenities consistent with up-market residential projects in other cosmopolitan cities internationally. Upon entry into the development, the visitor steps into a huge reception area, reminiscent of a grand hotel. Amenities include concierge service and reading rooms akin to a country club.

The apartments themselves are generously proportioned and well ventilated offering garden-in-the-sky balconies – stunning, unobstructed views abound. All design and space planning is sensitive to the Indian principles of Vastu, an old Indian science of architecture.

Designed by Ong & Ong Architects, Singapore. Completion 2008.

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I'd posted some renderings, but here are some more, with full info

Project by Kalpataru Construction/Tata Power, Thane:
http://img101.imageshack.us/img101/4594/tataperspective15fe290eqg5.jpg

http://img101.imageshack.us/img101/2145/taraperspective25fe45cdlx1.jpg

http://img101.imageshack.us/img101/9154/thane3large5fe6701yk9.jpg

http://img243.imageshack.us/img243/295/thane2large6001108xr1.jpg

http://img223.imageshack.us/img223/3384/mainperspectivetatavis6oy8.jpg

This master planning and design project, in Thane, Mumbai is set in picturesque surroundings, adjoining a national park.

The development consists of two tower blocks housing 132 apartments units, 25 landed homes and 800 m2 of retail space on a total site of 26,269m2. The focal point in this project is a landscaped band of water features cascading down the naturally differing levels of the terrain.

Designed by Ong & Ong Architects, Singapore. Completion 2007.

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Is great to see more Singapore architects in India now eps. Mumbai.

Can anybody draw eastern freeway alignment on google earth?
http://www.projectsmonitor.com/detailnews.asp?newsid=13587&secid=41

MMRDA plans eastern freeway, elevated road

Poonam Singh

The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority has planned to construct an eastern freeway and an elevated road at Sahar in north-west Mumbai. "The cost for construction of the eastern freeway is estimated at Rs 518 crore while the elevated road will cost about Rs 232 crore," says Milind Mhaiskar, Joint Metropolitan Commissioner, MMRDA.
The eastern freeway will start from Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sanghralaya (Prince of Wales Museum) in south Mumbai and will pass through the vicinity of Mumbai Port running parallel to P. D'mello Road. The freeway will connect Anik-Panjarpole Link Road, Chembur and Ghatkopar.
The elevated road at Sahar will be a double-deck project and connect Western Express Highway to Sahar International Airport.
The project has got the necessary approval from the Centre and is awaiting funds under JNNURM. Next month MMRDA will float tenders for appointing consultants for the two projects.
"We are planning to develop both the projects simultaneously. Tenders for construction work will be floated by June this year and work contracts will be awarded by early November," Mhaiskar said. "The eastern freeway is scheduled for completion within 24 months while the elevated road at Sahar will take about 18 months."
MMRDA has invited tenders for construction of an ROB at Milan subway at Santacruz. The bids will be finalised shortly.

[23 April 2007]

How can this be? How wide is this freeway?

How can you have a freeway from South Mumbai all the way to the suburbs with all the buildings, etc around it?

Sounds screwy to me and the MMRDA are very confident of getting this built, Good luck i say....just waiting for this to be dealyed like the other projects in in Mumbai.

a lot of it is double decker

and if im not mistaken the eastern side is not as densely packed as the central and western part, plus theres a lot of land from the mumbai port authorite

its mostly going through port land, there's enough space there. remember almost the whole eastern seaboard of bombay has never been seen by most citizens. the area is HUGE

Oh I see!

Fair play then...why not open the eastern sea board to more developements?

I heard sometime ago that Mumbai Port Trust is sitting on vast tracks of land on the eastern side of Mumbai.

why? ask the central government, it owns the land through the port. promises have been made since indira gandhi in the 70s to vacate bombay. in fact jnpt was created for that purpose. but no change. also defence sits on a huge portion of that land

dont see why the port should remain in bombay with jnpt in full swing and new ones coming up in rewas

Another incarnation: was I a dreadlock barefoot breada in bombay smokin chalice an looking at the stars from a deralict port authority building?
Whilst the black arabian sea washed away all the dreams I&I bredas had about alla dem flashin lite atop de worli sealink.
Whizzin' through the damp tropical nite going where? To another place in dem minds .Or ?
Catch a fire.
An' de sound dub/tamil/bangla bass achin' through me brain.
Wonderin' wot it realy is to be a dreadlock. An what it is to be human being in a world where dem machines have more presence dan I&I
Sooo many people in de worl' an only, so few a dem is dreadlock.
Cha.Wot a tribulation.

Construction a drain on resources
DNA Epaper 24 Apr

The construction activity and unauthorised structures steal power in Mumbai
Neeta Kolhatkar

http://img256.imageshack.us/img256/7885/250420070070130071mf5.jpg

The Brihanmumbai Electricity Supply and Transport (BEST) officials say the cost of construction is above Rs 11 per unit, further escalating the cost of construction. The engineers unearthed in few raids last month that developers across the city take power from transmission cables directly.
Usually in Mumbai city power thefts are seen as largely taken by slum dwellers and those residing in unauthorised structures. However these are not the only people stealing power directly from transmission cables.

According to BEST undertaking, unearthed in the raids conducted last month that leading developers too have begun stealing power from transmission cables.

Says deputy manager BEST SA Puranik, “We have come to realise in the last one month that in many areas where construction activity is going on the developers have shown to have taken meters on paper, but they too are taking power directly from the transmission cables.” The BEST authorities say that on paper the developers show that they have taken meters but during the major construction activity like slab cutting they indulging in stealing.

“The construction cost is higher due to higher power rates. So, even big builders do their slab cutting activity at night and for this they take power directly When we .

get concrete evidence can we raid and this we have done in a couple of places last month,” said a BEST engineer.

According to BEST sources, Safe Construction Company Mumbai Central, BG Shirke and Company in Antop HillWadala area, New Look Construction in Kala Chowkie area were some who were raided by the BEST in the last one month.

The state government in the last one year has made power thefts a cognizable offence and it entails disconnection of the meters. The penalties also mean the state gets reimbursed for these which run into crores. Although the state has a long way to go, the BEST and REL have shown that financial recovery is possible with definite steps to reduce power thefts.

“The one way we have been able to achieve the recovery and prevention of thefts is we have kept administrative pressure on our staff in the areas we know thefts are taking place,” said Uttam Khbragade, General Manager BEST.

REL too has been strict with its vigilance and registers cognisable offence especially with the industrial and commercial thefts. “We have a very strict and organised procedures for the way we handle cases of theft identified,” said Venkatesh Somayaji, head Corporate Communications, REL. The difference in the cases registered and recoveries made by both the companies is evident. The one thing that all power suppliers in Mumbai have begun doing is allowing the unauthorised slum dwellers to give them meters so that power thefts are reduced.

Someting waaaaaay overdue. Good on 'em.

Construction a drain on resources
DNA Epaper 24 Apr

MTDC to convert area into tourist district, Heritage Society to restore the 11 temples

Smita Deshmukh

http://img409.imageshack.us/img409/839/250420070080010011yg0.jpg

The 12th century Banganga Tank in Walkeshwar, one of leading listed monuments under the state archaeology department is up for restoration. While the state archaeology department would get Rs2.5 crore from the Centre to conserve the historic tank, different agencies are pitching in for the total overhaul of the precinct in a rare show of partnership. The Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation (MTDC) is working to convert the precinct a tourist district, Indian Heritage Society planning to restore the 11 temples spread around the tank and the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) undertaking the roads and drainage work.

“Restoration of the ghat will begin soon, which would involve the strengthening of the basalt rock. We have cleared the rectangular tank of all water and the clean-up would begin soon,” informed Bhushan Gagrani, secretary, cultural affairs. Also holding the dual charge as managing director, MTDC, Gagrani is eager to convert the precinct into a tourist district. “We want it on the tourist map of Mumbai. In fact, we are seeking to acquire a small plot in the precinct belonging to the BMC, which would be converted into a resource centre,” added Gagrani.

With the 13 temples in the precinct are owned by the private trusts, the toughest job belongs to the Indian Heritage Society (IHS), which is overlooking its restoration. “After we restored the Rameshwar temple the response has been positive from the trusts as well as individual donors. We will soon start work on the Ganesh temple,” explained Anita Garware, chairperson, IHS.

The unique aspect of Banganga is that it is pre-British era, pointed out Garware. “Unfortunately, only the Gothic architecture in Mumbai is talked about and conserved. But dynasties like Silhara, Yadav too made an imprint on the city and I’m glad we are restoring one such Silhara monument,” she added.

The BMC, on the other hand, has undertaken the task of repairs of the parikrama road, which would be strengthened by using interlocking tiles.

Drains and other underground utilities would be checked along with illegal structures, which have mushroomed along the monument.

“The cleanliness of the tank is a huge responsibility as the littering along barbers working along the tank throwing shaved off hair in the water. We would also build public toilet,” informed R A Rajeev, additional municipal commissioner (city).

http://img409.imageshack.us/img409/1139/250420070080010141xs7.jpg
http://img409.imageshack.us/img409/8991/250420070080011av3.th.jpg (http://img409.imageshack.us/my.php?image=250420070080011av3.jpg)

Hanging sealink seeks Centre aid
DNA Epaper 22 Apr

Work on the Worli-Nariman Point link may start next year
Rajshri Mehta

http://img249.imageshack.us/img249/5688/210420070050190021ys2.jpg

If everything goes well, construction of the 15-km north-south bridge from Worli to Nariman Point may start by next year.

In a bid to give impetus to what is now known Western Freeway Sea Link, the Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC) recently requested the Centre to sanction up to Rs 1,100 crore to make Rs 3,700-crore project economically viable.

The corporation has asked the two shortlisted bidders – Anil Ambani’s Reliance Energy which has teamed up with South Korean company Hyundai consortium, and Malaysian firm Gamuda – to submit their bids. The bidders have already submitted the design parameters. MSRDC hopes to scrunitise their bids and select one in the next few months.

Interestingly, the much-delayed project – an extension to the ongoing BWSL – was expect ed to begin last year. But it got delayed as MSRDC got environment clearance late from the Centre and it had not finalised the route.

There was a plan to construct a flyover connecting Peddar Road to the Worli bridge, but now it is proposed to be constructed separately If the Centre gives assistance to only .

20 per cent (in this case about Rs 700 crore) of the project cost, this will be the highest amount sought for an infrastructure project to be constructed on Build-Operate-Transfer basis. Unlike the proposed Nhava Sewa to Sewree link, the Worli to Nariman Point link will be the only sea bridge where Centre’s assistance has been sought. The third 4-km sea bridge between Bandra and Worli is being constructed on contract.

Viability Gap Funding (VGF) is the financial support provided by the Centre to infrastructure projects when the bid amount quoted by private parties fall short of the project cost. MSRDC has sought VGF under the public-private partnership scheme of the Centre and the Jawaharlal National Urban Renewal Mission for infrastructure projects.

A senior MSRDC officer said: “The lack of financial viability usually arises due to our inability to increase user charges (toll) to commercial levels and the long gestation period for private companies to recover the construction cost which are usually high for infrastructure projects.” In the Western Freeway link, which would be constructed with private participation, the successful bidder can levy toll for 35 years after he constructs the bridge in 5 years. The alignment runs over major bridges keeping the shoreline at about 150 m from Worli Hill and thereafter across the bay up to Nariman Point. The proposed project starts from the take-off point at Worli end of BWSL at Khan Abdul Gaffar Khan Road and finally connects to the Netaji Subhash Bose Road near NCPA.

This is good but the unbroken views would be spoiled by the sealink.

This is good but the unbroken views would be spoiled by the sealink.

Yeah, but then one must consider whats more important; a good view of the skyline or a huge new infrastructure project that will clean up congestion all over south mumbai...

will it clean up congestion? it will only bring more cars in and with a handful of exit points will bring them all back on the smaller roads to get them to their final destination. metro rail with frequent stops is a much better solution

I agree, we need to get people out of their cars and on the public transport since more people in Mumbai travel on public transport i.e. buses & trains than private cars.

I dont think this sealink will rid the city of its traffic problems but we can only watch and wait.

It will help some of Mumbai's traffic problems, but there is still a desperate need for an east-west expwy in order for the BWSL to really make a difference.

A mainland bypass expwy from the NH8 to the MPE would also help, allowing traffic not bound for Mumbai to go directly to Panvael and the like.

Of course, Mumbai's upcoming metro is going to be a big help as well.

Dharavi makeover gets going
DNA Epaper 6 April

Invitation to the global tender process for the massive urban renewal project will begin next month

Smita Deshmukh

http://img263.imageshack.us/img263/6048/270420070050100091qw3.jpg

Decks are cleared for the much-delayed Rs 9,300-crore Dharavi Redevelopment Project (DRP) as the Expression of Interest (EOI) for the biggest urban renewal project in Asia is set to come out by the third week of May.

A final presentation of the master plan, which has undergone a series of changes in the last two years, will be made to Chief Minister Vilasrao Deshmukh in the May second week for his nod.

The 535-acre Dharavi will be now divided into five sectors of roughly 100 acres each to be converted into independent townships comprising residential, commercial and industrial areas with a Floor Space Index (FSI) of 4.

“The thrust of the plan continues to be designed by architect Mukesh Mehta. Bids will be invited for each sector and no developer or consor tium will be given the entire project.

We will build 20,000 transit tenements in Dharavi to ensure that residents need not move out during the construction,’’ said IS Chahal, Officer-on-Special Duty (OSD), DRP.

Sources told DNA that the bid would be entertained only from companies with a net worth of 40 per cent of the project cost. This means leading city builders will have to form consortiums to be in the race or international developers would chip in.

However, the schedule of the entire project depends on the clearance from the Ministry of Environment and Forests (MoEF) – a task which the DRP has entitled to the selected developers after the bidding process is over.

“MoEF requires all design details, which the developer must submit and the state will back them for necessary support,” said Chahal.

From the original 12-sector plan with a central park in the middle surrounded by buildings, the new Dharavi master plan now spreads into five big sectors, offering major scope of work.

“Each sector will have a polyclinic, over three to four primary schools, one secondary school and one college. There will be open spaces and recreational areas in each sector. The plan will give the state Rs1,850 crore worth high-quality infrastructure like roads, toilets, schools and colleges all free of cost,” said Mukesh Mehta.

With a series of tall buildings slated to dominate the Dharavi skyline, Mehta admitted that the sale component buildings would be high rises. “We do not want any Transfer of Development Right (TDR) to come out of Dharavi to be used further in the northern suburbs,” he insisted. Along with buildings, a corresponding plan on aesthetics and character of the new structures is being worked. “Personally, I would love to give it an art deco look to ensure that Dharavi connects at some level with South Mumbai. :| But many feel that art deco is past and regressive. Modern architectural style could be considered :cheers: ,” he added.


Changing the face
There are 56,000 households, each will get 225 sq ft houses free

There are 4,500 industrial units, each will get 225 sq ft free and the rest have to be purchased at market rate

Each sector will have its own public amenities

The Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council will set up more than 300 industries

The National Institute of Design has proposed a leather village spread over 12.5 acres with small factories and show rooms. It also has plans to convert the existing kumbhar wada into a state-of-the-art ceramic centre based on cooperative model.

http://img263.imageshack.us/img263/1766/270420070050101vz0.th.jpg (http://img263.imageshack.us/my.php?image=270420070050101vz0.jpg)

-----==--=--==-----

BTW, I finally found Architect Mukesh Mehta's website: http://www.supportourslums.com (http://www.supportourslums.com/). Unfortunately, nothing especially interesting there.

Kyabathe! Thats great news... now lets hope it keeps going, not dying halfway through.

Its great how it will not continue with the art deco, they need to develop newer styles but restore that cool art deco feel.

225sq ft for a family? i guess we are spoilt out in the west.

That is small for a family, but its still bigger for most dharavi families, and considering its 'free' in the heart of the biggest metropolis of india, its too good a deal, not considering the other amenities like toilets on each of the flats.

This is great news! and very intresting too.

Cant wait for a plan and some renders.

I predict that this will do wonders for tourism in Mumbai :cheers:

India's Bollywood Is Getting A Theme Park (http://www.postchronicle.com/news/entertainment/article_21277608.shtml)
By Staff
Apr 28, 2007

India's Bollywood movie industry in Mumbai is getting its own theme park, likened to the Hollywood studio parks.

Percept Holdings, a media and entertainment company, has announced plans to build the Bollywood entertainment park for about $100 million, the BBC reported Saturday. The company says it will provide "the Bollywood experience."

The park will aim at letting fans get behind the scenes of the world's biggest film industry -- by audience size anyway.

"Bollywood accounts for over 40 percent of the total revenues of the overall Indian film industry," said Shailendra Singh, joint managing director at Percept Holdings. "Bollywood is what the Indian masses turn to for entertainment, but there is no organized format or means to consume this experience."

The entertainment park will open in 2008 and feature cafes, walk-throughs, film sets, tours and gaming booths.

(c) UPI
From other articles, it seems like $100 million will be the initial investment for the first phase of the project, which will be open in 2008. This implies that there will be other phases to this project with larger investments.

Cheers,
Jai

Please, no art deco imitations.

MMRDA has a plan to speed up Metro
“ We have no desire to go around with a begging bowl any- more, not even to foreign banks.” T Chandra Shekhar, Metropolitan commissioner

DNA Epaper 29 APR
Smita Deshmukh
Mumbai

Forget the official 2021 deadline. The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Develop ment Authority (MM RDA) wants to make all nine corridors of the Rs19,500 crore Metro Rail functional in just over five years.

To make this grand plan possible, the MM RDA will be attempting to self-finance the crucial build-operate transfer (BoT) project.

A new notification, already approved by the state government, would allow the MMR DA to amend the Development Control (DC) rules and increase the Floor Space Index (FSI) in the Bandra-Kurla Complex (BKC) from 2 to 4.

This would allow the MMRDA to sell off the remaining 70 acres of land in the area, where 70-metre-high buildings could be erected after the Airports Authority of India revised its height restrictions. Officials say the move could fetch a whopping Rs25,000 crore – more than enough to make the MMRDA self-sufficient to build the Metro Rail. Forget the 2021 deadline. The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) wants to have all nine corridors of the Rs19,500 crore Metro Rail functional in just over five years. To make it possible, the MMRDA would be attempting to self-finance the crucial built-operate-transfer (BoT) project.

“Projects like the Metro require massive capital. Moreover, the BoT process quite taxing. So, it is in our best interest to tap the potential of BKC to its fullest and speed up the project,” said Metropolitan Commissioner T Chandrashekhar.

The MMRDA is also looking at other avenues to raise funds. FSI incentive, along with commercial exploitation of land, at the proposed InterState Bus Terminal in Wadala is expected to rake in around Rs2,500 crore.

Also, the MMRDA’s appointment as special planning authority for the proposed growth centres in Bhiwandi and Kalyan will fetch more funds.

Sources said the MMRDA pushed its case for more developable area in the BKC with the state following the approval of FSI 4 for the Dharavi redevelopment project. Another cue was taken from their next-door neighbours — the joint venture of Reliance and Maker Group, who were allowed to increase the height of their buildings from 30 to 70 metre by the AAI.

“We have no desire to go around with a begging bowl anymore, not even to foreign banks which take a long time to process loans and place stringent measures. We can undertake the Metro project on our own and finish it in record time,” said Chandrashekhar.
http://img262.imageshack.us/img262/1141/300420070010041om6.th.jpg (http://img262.imageshack.us/my.php?image=300420070010041om6.jpg) http://img262.imageshack.us/img262/1525/300420070050071np5.th.jpg (http://img262.imageshack.us/my.php?image=300420070050071np5.jpg)

Please, no art deco imitations.
Oh no. I'm guessing the park will be far more gaudy than that

A long needed and major step on the road to modernization and development.

City gets world-class public loo
Toilet complexes come equipped with a host of facilities

Sandeep Ashar
DNA Epaper 29 APR

Mumbai got its first “worldclass” public toilet when Mayor Shubha Raul inaugurated a sophisticated public convenience built by Fumes International near the Santacruz airport on Sunday. The function was attended by outgoing Municipal Commissioner Johny Joseph and Additional Municipal Commissioner R A Rajeev among others.

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has sanctioned Delhi-based Fumes International to construct 100 such complexes in the city in the next one year. To be run by Fumes on a built-operate and transfer basis for 10 years, the public conveniences are set to come up across the city, including Wilson College at Charni Road, Worli Sea face, Nariman Point, and Mahim Church. Two of them, one near the domestic airport on the Western Express Highway and the other opposite the Mayor’s bungalow at Shivaji Park in Dadar, are ready for use.

BMC chief engineer for solid waste management R R Markendeya said, “Spacious and with regular running water, the facility at Santacruz has four toilet blocks for men and three for women and separate toilets for the physically-challenged.” Stating that the blocks were planned keeping in mind people’s changing attitude towards using public conveniences, Markendeya added,” The utility has been outfitted with hand dryers, liquid soap and separate shower rooms, while well-lit interiors, an aquarium and a water fountain facing the road add an aesthetic appeal.”

Fumes International has built more than 30 such toilets in Delhi since 1998. A team of Mumbai municipal officials visited Delhi in 2005 to find out more about Fumes’ toilets. Impressed with what they saw, the firm was contracted to construct similar toilet complexes at a cost of Rs25 lakh each.
http://img405.imageshack.us/img405/5347/300420070070181di6.th.jpg (http://img405.imageshack.us/my.php?image=300420070070181di6.jpg)

Does anyone want to hear what i have witnessed in India when modern public loos are used?The loos in question were the ones on the brand new (then) ship to the andamans from madras.
Anyone wanna hear? No, perhaps not...

I do.

me too

Anyone located near Thane?

http://img259.imageshack.us/img259/7697/ad0030608rn4.png

We could use an official SSC India Post-Property Fair After Action Report (SSCIPPFAAR)

And another welcome development

SLUMBAY WATCH
Plans Are Ready For The Dadar-Mahim Seafront Makeover. But Can They Plug Illegal Drains, Resettle Slums Quickly?

TOI Epaper 30 APR
Clara Lewis | TNN

Faced with a barrage of criticism regarding the poor upkeep of Mumbai’s western waterfront, the civic administration is now planning a beach nourishment plan along 4.5 kms of the Dadar-Prabhadevi seaface. The project, which includes building promenades and restoring gardens along the seaface, is aimed at restoring a beach that has been washed away under waves of sewage, flotsam and debris.

The stretch to be covered is from the Hinduja hospital end at Mahim to Worli village and will take around two years to complete from the day work commences. “We are planning to appoint a consultant to revive this beach which, at present, is bereft of sand,’’ said R A Rajeev, additional municipal commissioner.

The project is estimated to cost around Rs 12-15 crore and will require sand to be imported from other beaches (and even the desert) to make the stretch more hospitable to residents and holidaying crowds.

Work is likely to start in six months to a year, and would be a daunting task considering that it would require diverting sewage lines which spew out waste on to the beach, resettling slum dwellers living nearby, and coordination between agencies because land comes under the collector’s jurisdiction and the revamp is being planned by the civic corporation.

The blueprint is based on an idea put forward by architect P K Das who has also been involved in the beautification and restoration of Carter Road, Bandra Bandstand and Juhu beach. “Das will be appointed as a consultant since he already has a plan ready,’’ said Rajeev.

Of late, BMC has been repeatedly censured by activists and citizen groups regarding the plight of Mumbai’s beaches including those at Versova, Dadar and Marve. Mahim resident Ravi Thatte, who is also on a civic supervisory panel, says, “The beach is polluted by untreated sewage from illegal drains. BMC had appointed a contractor to clean up the beach, but he’s not doing a very good job. There are also two slums in the area. Restoring the beach is a grandiose plan and will take a lot of doing.’’

It was former Lok Sabha speaker and Dadar resident Manohar Joshi who set the ball rolling for the Dadar revival plan after a visit to Bandra where the waterfront had been restored. Joshi proposed that a wall be constructed to prevent the beach from further erosion. Eventually, the idea of a wall was shot down when environmentalists pointed out potentially adverse effects. “Sea-wall construction is now banned in the US as well as central Europe. It is believed that it damages the environment by restricting the natural cycle of in and outflow of water. Also the impact of construction of a sea-wall is felt at other beaches where the displaced water reclaims its space,’’ said Das.

Joshi’s suggestions, however, spurred a group to work on an alternate plan. To start with, a coastal and hydraulic study was carried out by DHI (India) Water and Environment Pvt Ltd at the site. This included drawing up a description of the area’s coastline, an assessment of the wave climate and hydrodynamic conditions in the bay, and compiling recommendations on how to implement the project.

The study found the Dadar-Prabhadevi stretch to be a shallow tidal beach, narrow and sloping. Government’s efforts to protect the coast had resulted in rubble encroaching upon it. Besides drains open onto it and unplanned constructions have contributed to the debris and pollution.

http://img408.imageshack.us/img408/6024/ar0110011dq2.png
http://img408.imageshack.us/img408/4229/pc0110800ys5.jpg
http://img408.imageshack.us/img408/6518/ar0110013nu7.png


BEACH REVIVAL

Phase I

This includes a proposal to increase the width of the beach from 5 metres to 50 metres across a stretch of 1.5 km from S K Bole Marg to Suryavanshi Kshatriya Sabhagriha Marg.


Phase II

This includes redevelopment of the beach at Hinduja Hospital, Keluskar Marg (North & South), Mayor’s Bungalow, development of two gardens — Baji Prabhu Udyan and Sant Dnyaneshwar Udyan — apart from creation of access roads and promenades

Total cost: Rs 12-15 crore


IMPLEMENTATION SCHEDULE

Beach nourishment by bringing in sand from other places: 9 months Redevelopment of two gardens along the waterfront: 4 months Promenades to be built at two locations: 6 months Extension of drains to divert the sewage: 4 months Building access roads: 6 months

SHIFTING THE SAND

Since the bay at Dadar-Mahim has very little sand, it has been decided to bring it in from outside. “Roughly around 300 trucks per day for 6 months or six barges a day for four months will be sufficient to create the beach. While the sea will continue to wash away sand it will also bring it back and the loss will be minimal,’’ said P K Das, architect in charge of the project. Sand will be brought in from other beaches, and may be even the desert. Some replenishment of sand may also be required every 5-10 years.

Hi Guys,

This is HUGE news that friggin came out of nowhere to us seasoned skyscraper enthusiats here... The news is over a week old and none of us came across it!

Mumbai looks to be getting another project with at least one -- possibly more than one -- supertall. And we are not talking about the previously anncounced India International Trade Center (see details on this project below), but the Mumbai International Finance Centre. No renderings yet, (hope to add them to this first post when they are finally released.) First read the article and check out my comments below the article that follows.


I created a new thread to promulgate news of these exciting developments. I will update this and the Mumbai Update threads concurrently with new developments. If more major commercial megaprojects are announced in Mumbai, they will be added to this thread and the title will be changed to reflect that.


-----==--=--==------

Govt shortlists 3 sites for financial hub (http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/Business/India_Business/Govt_shortlists_3_sites_for_financial_hub_in_Mumbai/articleshow/1931890.cms)
ASHLEY D'MELLO
[21 Apr, 2007 l 0147 hrs ISTlTIMES NEWS NETWORK]

MUMBAI: The International Financial Centre (IFC) in the city, a 10-year-old project dogged by delays, may come up about sooner rather than later. :cheers:

State government officials are already scouting around for a suitable site in which to house the complex and are considering sites at Dadar, CST and another on Bombay Port Trust land.

Officials said three sites were being considered: Rashtriya Textile Mill site owned by National Textile at Dadar, a plot within Bombay Port Trust land and a site off P D'Mello Road near CST on railway land. All are located in south Mumbai.

The IFC has been discussed for over a decade in the city for better international financial services and boost economic opportunities in the metropolis. However, the plan has never moved beyond the discussion stage. Of late though, it has acquired momentum following the release of a Union ministry of finance report, which looked at the framework needed to be put in place for Mumbai to be promoted as an global destination for commerce.

Secretary for special projects in the city, Sanjay Ubale, admitted that government was keen on going ahead with the project. FM P Chidambaram's visit to the city later this month is expected to give the project a further boost.

The model being considered for the plan is the Hong Kong International Financial Centre complex which has two tall buildings housing such a centre. Officials said the Hong Kong IFC has "a signature building" which is the tallest in the territory and the fourth tallest in the world with 88 storeys.


-----==--=--==------


Ok, let's put down what we know about these two projects...


The facts we know about the India International Trade Tower (IITC)

• The NTC's IITT will be 1050 feet (http://www.wirednewyork.com/forum/showthread.php?t=8662)/72 storeys in height (http://propertybytes.com/?p=732)

• It will be is located on the 11.96-acre India United Mill No. 6 at Pravhadevi (http://propertybytes.com/?p=732).

• The cost of the tower's construction will be around Rs. 700 crore (approx $170.5 million USD)

• NTC has officially confirmed (http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&ct=res&cd=3&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpib.nic.in%2Frelease%2Frelease.asp%3Frelid%3D21443&ei=DrE2RuWsOKfIgQOAqoHtAg&usg=AFrqEzdNkcsw6HC-aPdEkVU3pR-i_FTjZg&sig2=0tVafSL3zw1TOqJkEz7jSg) that the tower will be built.

...and...


The facts we know about the Mumbai International Financial Centre (IFC)

• The project apparently has been 10 years in the making. However, it recently got impetus due to the recent High Powered Expert Committee (HPEC)'s report (http://ajayshahblog.blogspot.com/2007/04/mumbai-as-international-financial.html) detailing steps to take to make Mumbai an International Financial Centre (MIFC).

• It seems that this project is supported by city, state and national governments and will be implemented soon. We will likely get more word on what this project is when will come when India's Finance Minister P. Chidambaram visits the city.

• There 3 possible sites under consideration for the project:
- NTC's Rashtriya Textile Mill, in the Mill Lands -- where I guess it will complement all the other towers being built on other NTC mill lands by private developers.

- a plot in Bombay Port Trust land -- perhaps finally opening up the huge, prime, seafront land to skyscraper (commerical/CBD/docklands?) development?

- a site off P D'Mello Road near CST on railway lands -- right the hell downtown. Perhaps someone can correct me, but I don't think there is much room here for other skycrapers to be built, as it is in a historic district. Unless the raillways want to release more land for development, I doubt there will be potential for major future skyscraper clustering a la a proper CBD.

• It is to be a major commercial center modeled on HK's International Finance Center complex, which consists of a major mall, three towers (88 storeys, 40 storeys and 39 storeys), one of them the signature One IFC, one of them a hotel. One IFC is HK's tallest building.

- This modeling business implies that surely there will be a signature tower, most likely a supertall. I'm guessing that at least a major mall would be built as well (pure speculation.) If it is modeled on the HK IFC, perhaps a complementary building (a Two IFC) will also be built? From this view, possibly a cluster of Trade Centre buildings will be built.

- To show some of the possibility of the scale of the project, check out HK's IFC:
http://img248.imageshack.us/img248/6928/oneifc0018c160fvy7.jpg

-----==--=--==------


Comparing the Two Towers

• OK, now the the National Textile Corporation is a Central Public Sector Enterprise which is building the IITC on funds earned through the sale of the mill lands to major developers.

• This International Finance Center seems to be a government funded project, though skimming through the HPEC's report, this project is likely to be a public-private venture.

• The IITC is to be 72 stories and will be located in an area anchoring the current Parel/Back Bay skyline and the future Dharavi redevelopment skyline. The IFC will be located on either the Port Lands, the Mills or by CST, the former two are two future sites of skyscraper development. In each, it will serve to anchor the skyline. If it is to be located in the Port Lands, it may finally open this area to development sooner than expected.

• Both the IITC and the IFC are designed to be catalysts for business, trade and commercial skyscraper development. By signing off on these two projects, the government has made a very public and visible green light on encouraging commercial skyscraper construction in Mumbai. Commercial skyscrapers are not only taller, but more costly and inherantly of better quality than residental towers, which all but a handful of Mumbai's major projects are.

• The seeming drive to suddenly crash modernize Mumbai's infrastructure (metro, freeways, sea-links, rail -- see the recent pages of the Mumbai Updates thread) probably got moved to the front burner due to the recommendations this report, and underscores Mumbai is trying to develop the infra that can sustain such huge commercial projects (which are more of a strain on transport than purely residential towers are; consider the large numbers of office workers that will be commuting to and from work)

-----==--=--==------


Comments guys?

I hope to add this thread with updates soon. We all need to keep on the look out for any other news.

Cheers,
Jai

Guys, this is HUGE news that friggin came out of nowhere to us seasoned skyscraper enthusiats here... The news is over a week old and no one came across it!

Mumbai looks to be getting another project with at least one -- possibly more than one -- supertall. And we are not talking about the India International Trade Center. First read the article and check out my comments below.

>>> I created a new thread in this forum specifically detailed to these projects. Please check it out. I also added my comments to this article in that thread. (http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?p=12931791) <<<


Govt shortlists 3 sites for financial hub (http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/Business/India_Business/Govt_shortlists_3_sites_for_financial_hub_in_Mumbai/articleshow/1931890.cms)
ASHLEY D'MELLO
[21 Apr, 2007 l 0147 hrs ISTlTIMES NEWS NETWORK]

MUMBAI: The International Financial Centre (IFC) in the city, a 10-year-old project dogged by delays, may come up about sooner rather than later. :cheers:

State government officials are already scouting around for a suitable site in which to house the complex and are considering sites at Dadar, CST and another on Bombay Port Trust land.

Officials said three sites were being considered: Rashtriya Textile Mill site owned by National Textile at Dadar, a plot within Bombay Port Trust land and a site off P D'Mello Road near CST on railway land. All are located in south Mumbai.

The IFC has been discussed for over a decade in the city for better international financial services and boost economic opportunities in the metropolis. However, the plan has never moved beyond the discussion stage.

Of late though, it has acquired momentum following the release of a Union ministry of finance report, which looked at the framework needed to be put in place for Mumbai to be promoted as an global destination for commerce.

Secretary for special projects in the city, Sanjay Ubale, admitted that government was keen on going ahead with the project. FM P Chidambaram's visit to the city later this month is expected to give the project a further boost.

The model being considered for the plan is the Hong Kong International Financial Centre complex which has two tall buildings housing such a centre.

Officials said the Hong Kong IFC has "a signature building" which is the tallest in the territory and the fourth tallest in the world with 88 storeys.

awesome!!

great updates, very informative and easy to follow even for us non-Mumbaikars..

great to see Mumbai really hitting the big leagues finally!!

:)

Comments?

I hope they go higher than HK :)

- This modeling business implies that surely there will be a signature tower, most likely a supertall. I'm guessing that at least a major mall would be built as well (pure speculation.) If it is modeled on the HK IFC, perhaps a complementary building (a Two IFC) will also be built? From this view, possibly a cluster of Trade Centre buildings will be built.





Im not sure if thats the most obvious assumption to make, if the IFC is "modelled" on cluster of approx 90, 40, 40, to me, that could also just as easily mean that this one will be 45, 20, 20...

Theres like one line in the article where they talk about HK IFC being a signature building, but thats really about it. I hope its a supertall, but Im not going to get my hopes up before theres any official height info, I mean, this is the same city where a few blocks of 20storeys = Manhattan!

this is good news

lets keep our fingers crossed :cheers2:

good news

Awesome:cheers:

I would think if we have two twin towers of same height ( 50-60 floors) and all glass it would be fantastic....

Regarding the design I particularly liked "1 Canada Square" - in London's Fin district , Canary wharf that has a sloping roof like structure at the top compared to HK...

Whatz so exciting about this IITC? A 700 crore building is not going to make much difference to Mumbai. That's about 2 million sq ft. Only other day there was news report that some private builder was planning a 5 million sq ft complex in Coimbatore.

Whatz so exciting about this IITC? A 700 crore building is not going to make much difference to Mumbai. That's about 2 million sq ft. Only other day there was news report that some private builder was planning a 5 million sq ft complex in Coimbatore.

Hmm.. tallest building in South Asia? How does that sound?

Also, GREAT NEWS. Great find, Jai!

Jai Mumbai.

seems like the NTC tower will get done. but i still keep my fingers crossed on the other one...

Whatz so exciting about this IITC?
Its height.

MMRDA has a plan to speed up Metro

http://img262.imageshack.us/img262/1141/300420070010041om6.th.jpg (http://img262.imageshack.us/my.php?image=300420070010041om6.jpg) http://img262.imageshack.us/img262/1525/300420070050071np5.th.jpg (http://img262.imageshack.us/my.php?image=300420070050071np5.jpg)



that is great news....completing the whole metro project in just 5 years!!!! has MMRDA received the required approvals and consents from Maharashtra govt and Centre?

Whatz so exciting about this IITC? A 700 crore building is not going to make much difference to Mumbai. That's about 2 million sq ft. Only other day there was news report that some private builder was planning a 5 million sq ft complex in Coimbatore.

Well, that cost is for the construction of the building itself. It's to be built by the National Textile Mills - i.e. they already own the land. The majority of a building's construction cost in Mumbai is land aquisition. I'm not sure what that means in terms of real cost of the building (it could be NTC's investment in the project, as they are almost certainly going to develop it with a developer.)

Besides, they did already confirm its to be 72 stories, but that construction cost I found in another media article. I'm sure that whatever the actual construction cost is, it would reflect the building's size.



Im not sure if thats the most obvious assumption to make, if the IFC is "modelled" on cluster of approx 90, 40, 40, to me, that could also just as easily mean that this one will be 45, 20, 20...

Theres like one line in the article where they talk about HK IFC being a signature building, but thats really about it. I hope its a supertall, but Im not going to get my hopes up before theres any official height info, I mean, this is the same city where a few blocks of 20storeys = Manhattan!


That's true. I will remain skeptical until more information comes out. The reason I am hopeful it is a supertall - or at least a significant sized building - is that two seperate friends of mine on two different occasions who interacted with Mumbai busines leaders last year mentioned that a very tall office building is planned. Obviously, this is just hearsay and I have no real sources for this so I left it out of my post. But I'm thinking that this may just be it.

Let's just keep our fingers crossed

Cheers

This is a cool picture. From today's TOI
http://img487.imageshack.us/img487/7096/pc001180024f7edcg5.jpg
NEW LIFE IN A HIGH-RISE: Slumdwellers who once resided in the Sanjay Gandhi National Park look skywards at their new multi-storeyed dwellings in Chandivali on Tuesday. The 30 families were the first of a group of 4,142 households which will be shifted in the next ten days.

Well, that cost is for the construction of the building itself. It's to be built by the National Textile Mills - i.e. they already own the land. The majority of a building's construction cost in Mumbai is land aquisition. I'm not sure what that means in terms of real cost of the building (it could be NTC's investment in the project, as they are almost certainly going to develop it with a developer.)

Besides, they did already confirm its to be 72 stories, but that construction cost I found in another media article. I'm sure that whatever the actual construction cost is, it would reflect the building's size.




About cost of land: it could be between 50-200 crore/acre in this part of Mumbai. Assuming about Rs. 100 crore/acre at Prabhadevi, that puts it at about Rs. 1100 crore.

You mentioned that construction cost is about Rs. 700 crore. With that you would be typically be able to build about 2 million sq ft in other cities. I doubt you can build anything more than that for 700 crore in Mumbai.

So it is just 2 million sq ft. Thatz why I didn't understand the excitement for a separate thread just for this.

dude are you for real?? this is India's tallest future towers we're talking about!!

if this doesn't merit its own thread on SSC India, i don't know what does..

:)

dude are you for real?? this is India's tallest future towers we're talking about!!

if this doesn't merit its own thread on SSC India, i don't know what does..

:)
I don't have any problem about a separate thread for each such 2 million sq ft project.

Just that it caught my attention because I generally read comments about projects in major cities under the India -> Cityscapes -> Projects folder. And that most threads under this Projects folder are about development projects in the entire city and not one off building that is 2 million sq ft.

:|


Dude, firstly, your basing the total size of this project based on your own highly speculative, tangental arithmetic that itself is based on only one random, highly questionable statistic. I mean honestly. You're obviously an architecture enthusiast. You tell me: What is the structural integrity of an grandiose argument built on a weedy, shaky, straw-bale foundation?

The Rs. 700 crore figure was NTC's investment on the building from previous articles posted throughout this forum. They also mentioned that they would be partnering up with investors and developers. Seeing as the tower is going to be built solely for the purposes of promoting the textile/gem industry of Mumbai, is it really that hard to see that NTC may be only one source of finance for the project? A consortium of those very same gem manufacturers single handedly funded the construction of The Legend (http://img136.imageshack.us/img136/3861/thelegend22acaeeeqq9.jpg), a 45+ storey residential tower u/c at Walkeshwar, and one of the tallest u/c residentials in all of the Subcontinent?

Regardless, this whole construction cost scenario is completely moot. Simply put: we do not know what the total square footage of the tower will be, nor do we have information to make a guess. What we do know is that it is currently India's tallest approved tower. We do know that NTC has explicitly stated on more than one occasion that the project is planned and has been approved to be 72-74 storeys tall, and judging by Mumbai builders' arbitary definition of building height, this doesn't probably won't take into account for the potential height of the building's podium.

Is it really so hard to think that, perhaps, a building marketed to be the crowning glory that will break all sorts of ground in Mumbai being built by a company flush with hundreds of crores of pure profit coming off the mill land sales, partering up with developers and most likely industry consortiums, would build this thousand foot tower that isn't adequately large enough? Hell. If the tower was 1000 feet of bare 10x10 concrete floors save for an inadequately large enough hole in the floor to **** in, this still would be one of the most significant projects in India.


The fact that it is tallest approved tower, significantly taller than any current approved or u/c tower. That alone is cause enough for thread. But that itself is not the reason I created this thread. This, plus the IFC proposal (which has the potential to top IITT!) are the first significant approved, international standard commerical skyscrapers in India. I feel like a broken record here, but these have the potential to revolutionize the real estate industry of Mumbai. Construction of commercial skyscrapers will open up huge avenues for transformation, not the least of which is an international standard central business district. This thread is made to document that. If you would care to browse this forum, you see I have made similar threads for a whole host of cities (at the very least 5 off the top of my head) with planned business districts, because of the inherent, explicit importance that the commercial highrise construction has vis a vis Indian urban developent.


Besides, we're a friggin skyscraper forum.


Honestly, if you are simply unable to grasp the significance of these projects, than simply I am at a loss for words, and I officially will stop trying right....

...

...

now.


-Jai

Relax Jai. I have already said I don't really care about another thread.

But instead of all those words you could have taken a smart guess at some numbers based on size of plot area and approx investments. We are not going to be off by orders of magnitude.

BTW, The Legend building you linked is probably about 500,000 sq ft. I don't know how you picture a 2 million sq ft building. But that would be a fairly large building and not a small one as you seem to have described in your post. On a plot area of 12 acres (520,000 sq ft), it would translate into an FSI of about 4. That is a fairly high FSI that is allowed for Mumbai. What exactly is the allowed FSI in Mumbai: 1.33/2.5 in the island city? May be someone can explain how building planning permissions work in Mumbai.

why do u keep only focusing on sq ft, were all here thinking predominantly about hieght, plus one of the few commercial buildings coming up

Relax Jai. I have already said I don't really care about another thread.

But instead of all those words you could have taken a smart guess at some numbers based on size of plot area and approx investments. We are not going to be off by orders of magnitude.

BTW, The Legend building you linked is probably about 500,000 sq ft. I don't know how you picture a 2 million sq ft building. But that would be a fairly large building and not a small one as you seem to have described in your post. On a plot area of 12 acres (520,000 sq ft), it would translate into an FSI of about 4. That is a fairly high FSI that is allowed for Mumbai. What exactly is the allowed FSI in Mumbai: 1.33/2.5 in the island city? May be someone can explain how building planning permissions work in Mumbai.


The excitement here is about its height and not the size. No one really cares for the size, there are lots of projects all over India that are 5-million sq ft which are already built or are still u/c, so it doesnt make a difference if its 5 million of 0.5 million sq ft.

The height of 72 floors is going to be a 'first' in india. No other city including coimbatore has such height. If there is, do inform us and we might be even more excited. Remember we are here to talk about SKYSCRAPERS.

This is a cool picture. From today's TOI
http://img487.imageshack.us/img487/7096/pc001180024f7edcg5.jpg

Sos about the spamin'.
Now this is brilliant news.
As is the metro speeding up
Lets hope its a succsess.
Lets keep this thread on topic.discussions about my last post might possably be pm'd to me or stuck in another thread.Or even ignored !!
I just couldnt think of where to put it
ites

I agree, we need to get people out of their cars and on the public transport since more people in Mumbai travel on public transport i.e. buses & trains than private cars.

I dont think this sealink will rid the city of its traffic problems but we can only watch and wait.

No the Sealink on its own will not. But the trains are already ridiculously overcrowded, as are buses.
However, assuming that construction starts soon..This will reduce traffic congestion, at least from the suburbs to Nariman Point.
But one shouldn't expect to build one sealink, and fix all of the problems.

It has to be a combination of things...
Metro + Sealink + Improved public transport + heck even mass scale hovercraft transport...Plus projects like BHC which move traffic/companies away from the Fort area, where offices traditionally have been..

Its absolutely ridiculous that it should take 2 hours to travel from Santa Cruz to Nariman Point, a distance of approximately 20 km which can be covered in less than 10-15 minutes in most US cities.

The sealink is looong overdue. I do worry about the view though. And the view is important. The view of beautiful bridges from the city could be awe inspiring, and could define the city's character and image. Like the Howrah bridge defined Calcutta, and the Brooklyn Bridge NY, Golden Gate in San Francisco.
On the contrary, if you look at houston, the city has absolutely no character. It is just one big freeway that attaches strip malls.
Id hate it if Bombay became that way...

I hope that they make some effort into making it look aesthetically pleasing . A bunch of beautiful suspension bridges would be awesome..
Simply building a concrete road on an ugly bridge, would be an eyesore (Thane bridge anyone???).

that is great news....completing the whole metro project in just 5 years!!!! has MMRDA received the required approvals and consents from Maharashtra govt and Centre?
What about any environmental clearances...Those *always* seem to come up.....

Relax Jai. I have already said I don't really care about another thread.

But instead of all those words you could have taken a smart guess at some numbers based on size of plot area and approx investments. We are not going to be off by orders of magnitude.

BTW, The Legend building you linked is probably about 500,000 sq ft. I don't know how you picture a 2 million sq ft building. But that would be a fairly large building and not a small one as you seem to have described in your post. On a plot area of 12 acres (520,000 sq ft), it would translate into an FSI of about 4. That is a fairly high FSI that is allowed for Mumbai. What exactly is the allowed FSI in Mumbai: 1.33/2.5 in the island city? May be someone can explain how building planning permissions work in Mumbai.

Just curious, but why are you so fixated about sq .ft..

Skyscraper forum :bash: .We care about Vertical not horizontal :) .

Think NYC. Do you care about the Walmart or Costco there??? Just the Empire State building :-)

Also, Jai, there should be a lot of space around CST, because while this is a historic district, there are also quite a few godowns around there.

Check out...

http://maps.google.com/maps?q=http://bbs.keyhole.com/ubb/download.php?Number=128303&t=k&om=1

Also, on this one, if you scroll further south, along the port you can see the indian nav's warships, including the A/Carrier Viraat.
Its big ...lots of square footage :banana:

Hmmm, five years sounds too ambitious. What's the latest with the ADAG controlled Ghatkopar Andheri Metro One? Last I heard they finally settled on viability gap funding and were awaiting funds from Dilli. Even heard reports on ground/soil survey and shifting of utilities. Any real developments on ground is this still a paper tiger?

5 years is very ambitious!

Avereage time for underground metro construction is longer (6-7 years) depending on the route and size.

I agree that the sea can be expolited more ie. ferry, hoover-craft movements which can help reduce traffic and communting times. This area is very undeveloped. Look at the ferry services between Elephanta Island from the Gateway. Services like this should be extended to other parts of Mumbai. Of course the infrastructure needs to be there too!

This is good news and about time Mumbai was made a int. financial centre.

The IFC with a 70+ storey tower + other building is much needed as there is alack of commerical buildings in Mumbai. A signature tower would be very welcome as this will define Mumbai as the Petronas Towes has Kuala Lumpur, CN Tower has to Tornoto & of course the IFC in Hong Kong etc.

This will be the crowning glory for Mumbai and would lift its status higher and into the realms like NY, HK, Singapore, London, Toyko for example.

Cant wait for renders!!

Hmmm, five years sounds too ambitious. What's the latest with the ADAG controlled Ghatkopar Andheri Metro One? Last I heard they finally settled on viability gap funding and were awaiting funds from Dilli. Even heard reports on ground/soil survey and shifting of utilities. Any real developments on ground is this still a paper tiger?

I read somewhere that the real work is gonna start after the monsoons..

The height of 72 floors is going to be a 'first' in india. Remember we are here to talk about SKYSCRAPERS.

Seconded.

South Mumbai to get a Manhattan look

New Hyatt in Marine Lines to be designed by Times Square architects

Sudeshna Sen LONDON

MUMBAI’S skyline could soon rival Manhattan’s. Coming up in Marine Lines is south Mumbai’s first large five-star hotel in the past 30 years. The Hyatt hotel is being designed by international hotshot architects, Fox & Fowles, designers of the iconic Conde Nast and Reuters Buildings, as well as Nasdaq’s landmark corner market site with its giant electronic display in Times Square.
We don’t know exactly how tall this one’s going to be, but if No 4, Times Square is any indication, expect it to loom over the rest of the Queen’s Necklace. “South Mumbai has had no new really large hotels since the Hilton, this will fill that need,” says Ashish Kalra, the New York-based managing director of Trikona Capital, one of the main investors in the project. Trikona is the asset manager for the AIM-listed Trinity Capital, which has invested and committed £196 million in India on real estate deals in the one year since its IPO.
The South Mumbai hotel project is part of a three luxury hotel project being developed by Neelkamal Realtors, in Mumbai, Pune and Goa. All three will be managed and operated by Hyatt. Neelkamal MMDPL is an SPV set up in partnership between Mumbaibased property developers Dynamix Balwas and Trinity Capital. Trinity has an investment of £11.9 million in the SPV.
While the hotels in Goa and Pune are under construction, the land has been vacated and pre-construction planning and soil-testing have been completed for the Mumbai project. Hyatt already has two hotels in city suburbs. The hotels in Pune and Goa are being designed by international architects Buro Happold for Pune and GA Design in Goa.
The swank new hotel is South Mumbai is just one of Trinity’s showcase investments. “Many foreign investors come and take a look at India, and then complain that real estate has a lot problems, with titles, with regulations and so on. Our strategy is to build a network of sustainable partnerships that will give us a steady flow of deals, along with a strong team of our own with expertise across sectors like hospitality, infrastructure, roads, healthcare and retail,” says Mr Kalra.
Trinity has a JV with IL&FS, stakes in Fortis and Pipavav Shipyard, and investments in projects with Lokhandwala, Rustomjee Township, Uppals, and Manjeera in the south. The fund, which raised £250 million in April 2006, has recently announced that it has reached full investment ahead of schedule, and has a portfolio of 11 investments with a total development potential of 31 million sqft.
The fund’s most recent deal was also with Dynamix Balwas, where it picked up a 5.92% stake in DB Realty, a £500 million SPV that is part of the Dynamix Balwas group for £25.72 million, to develop 12 real estate projects in central and outer Mumbai.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------

india is really crying out for world class modern architecture. hope this is a good design

wow! wow! wow! picked this up from fox & fowle's website. if this really happens this is THE tower in india. see the website for images http://www.fxfowle.com/

CLIENT : Park Hyatt
LOCATION : Mumbai, India
GROSS AREA : 882,000 sq ft

FXFOWLE's Park Hyatt tower centers on creating an iconic residential mixed-use building within India's emerging new economy. The 82-storey tower is informed by distinctive indoor/outdoor environments and the desire to optimise the panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. The towers rotated form emerges in response to the buildings functional requirements and its mixed-use program - which changes with each twist of the structure. This circulation pattern separates retail, 5-star hotel and serviced apartments and long lease duplex penthouse condominium apartments within a sustainable network of green roofs and hanging gardens; creating a singular, extraordinary building that, when completed, will be the tallest and greenest building in India.

http://img216.imageshack.us/img216/625/hyatt1eo2.jpg

http://img216.imageshack.us/img216/5329/hyatt2ab7.jpg

http://img526.imageshack.us/img526/1180/hyatt3yu5.jpg

^^ we desperately need such a glass skyscraper..

Its gonna look lonely for a while :)

Well, there is that 82 floor hotel too now :)

looks good.

http://img216.imageshack.us/img216/625/hyatt1eo2.jpg

http://img216.imageshack.us/img216/5329/hyatt2ab7.jpg

wow! wow! wow! picked this up from fox & fowle's website. if this really happens this is THE tower in india. see the website for images http://www.fxfowle.com/

CLIENT : Park Hyatt
LOCATION : Mumbai, India
GROSS AREA : 882,000 sq ft

FXFOWLE's Park Hyatt tower centers on creating an iconic residential mixed-use building within India's emerging new economy. The 82-storey tower is informed by distinctive indoor/outdoor environments and the desire to optimise the panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. The towers rotated form emerges in response to the buildings functional requirements and its mixed-use program - which changes with each twist of the structure. This circulation pattern separates retail, 5-star hotel and serviced apartments and long lease duplex penthouse condominium apartments within a sustainable network of green roofs and hanging gardens; creating a singular, extraordinary building that, when completed, will be the tallest and greenest building in India.

U v upbeat about this.How likely is it.Any idea?

WOW! Yep thats more like it and about time too!

The mix use development is very good too and not just a hotel.

Hope it bears fruit.

U v upbeat about this.How likely is it.Any idea?

yeah i'm upbeat, mostly because its an international level design. i am sick and tired of taller and taller matchboxes. i want gherkins in bombay, not wtcs

well the plot is acquired, the hotel is under construction, so a hyatt will definitely be there. the final height? dunno, depends on the authorities

I remember having a similar idea two years back, before we cold dream of a proposal like this one.

I wonder if this building will have things like vaccum toilets and greywater in its faucets for water conservation.

greywater in faucets? you mean in loos and for gardens. right?

Where is this located? My Mumbai home looks very close to this location. Where is the place to build this? I am sure many old bldgs will have to go down.

^^ we desperately need such a glass skyscraper..

Yes. This is the kind of building I would like to see more of.

its at marine lines

I contacted the firm and got a prompt reply back.

When I asked if the project is still active, they replied yes and that it is under construction (anyone know if that's true?).

Second, I asked about the height and was told that 85 flrs/ 301 m.

greywater in faucets? you mean in loos and for gardens. right?

Yep, that's right.

The idea is to recycle the water that people use to wash their hands, somehow sterilizing it during its circulation.

Power is another issue. I presume backup generators will be provided. However, they should also consider roof-mounted solar panels for additional on-site generation.

http://www.xsltblog.com/archives/The-Simpsons-Mr-Burns-Excel.jpg

I contacted the firm and got a prompt reply back.

When I asked if the project is still active, they replied yes and that it is under construction (anyone know if that's true?).

Second, I asked about the height and was told that 85 flrs/ 301 m.

Yeah its true, i was reading in the "Manhattans" thread and someone said they saw the plot or something..

also, 301 M? Thats crazy! It may be the spark to India's supertalls!

My God! The 82 story Hyatt, 70 odd storey the India Intl Trade Centre, and the Intl Finance centre! Mumbai's really doing well!

- not to mention residential projects like Imperial and bellisimo!

wtf where did this come out of i swear to god i checked this last night, went to sleep by 10 took an sat this morning studied for other exam teed off a little come here and check the idia financial center thread and wham in my face

lol

this is soo exciting

Bloody brilliant!

Remember, Orbit Corp's website has stated they, too, are constructing a skyscraper at Marine Lines.

Furthermore, one of three possible sites for the Mumbai International Finance center commercial tower(s) is also at Marine Lines.

May not be so lonely for long!


OK Datamining time on the Park Hyatt Tower:

-------==--=--==--------

From this link[PDF] (http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&ct=res&cd=1&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.aia.org%2FSiteObjects%2Ffiles%2Fconvention_ces%2FFR4207.pdf&ei=8iY9RuHJI6awggOtpNTHAg&usg=AFrqEzfZJeuEfJV1AwpJRnc9MXp5clq4tQ&sig2=lImSDntvWMVNKiL7gRrE6A)
Peter Weingarten is Director or International Architecture at
FXFOWLE ARCHITECTS, PC. He has been with the firm for
almost ten years and is well regarded within the industry for
his passion for design, experience with complex projects, and
commitment to sustainability. He is running the firm’s
International Studio, splitting his time between FXFOWLE’s
New York and Dubai offices. Currently, Peter is working on
an 85-story mixed-use tower in Mumbai, which will be the
tallest and greenest in India when completed...

Bloody brilliant!

Remember, Orbit Corp's website has stated they, too, are constructing a skyscraper at Marine Lines.

Furthermore, one of three possible sites for the Mumbai International Finance center commercial tower(s) is also at Marine Lines.

May not be so lonely for long!


OK Datamining time on the Park Tower:

-------==--=--==--------

From this link[PDF] (http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&ct=res&cd=1&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.aia.org%2FSiteObjects%2Ffiles%2Fconvention_ces%2FFR4207.pdf&ei=8iY9RuHJI6awggOtpNTHAg&usg=AFrqEzfZJeuEfJV1AwpJRnc9MXp5clq4tQ&sig2=lImSDntvWMVNKiL7gRrE6A)


I think this is the same Hyatt coming up at marine lines. That is also supposed to be the mixed use, tallest and the greenest. I would consider the 85 storeys as just a guess when the article was written. Some websites have the Hyatt tower as 80-storey, the Fx & fowle website has it now as 82 storey's and here it says 85. I guess the final count is 82 storeys.

U v upbeat about this.How likely is it.Any idea?

The Economic times article ive pasted in the other Manhattan thread says the pre-construction work for this Hyatt building has been completed. So this project is coming up for sure.

I think this is the same Hyatt coming up at marine lines. That is also supposed to be the mixed use, tallest and the greenest. I would consider the 85 storeys as just a guess when the article was written. Some websites have the Hyatt tower as 80-storey, the Fx & fowle website has it now as 82 storey's and here it says 85. I guess the final count is 82 storeys.
I dont necessarily think so... because this project is being built by Neelkamal Builders (Dynamix Group), which is building it the centerpiece of their foray into the hospitality business in partnership with Hyatt. Orbit Corp is a different real estate developer altogether. Furthermore the Hyatt tower seems to be a mixed use tower of residential, retail and hotel -- not commercial, which implies office space.

But the thing is, we're not sure how real the ORbit tower is. They had this as an upcoming project for a while, and then one update, removed from their list (perhaps because actual work has begun on the project?) Then again, it appeared for a month, and now it's back to being gone.


If this Dynamix/Hilton project is anything to go on, builders/city govt can be extraordinarily good at keeping projects secret. I mean, not even a friggin hint came down the line of this project. While the architects had uploaded some data/renderings of the building, there are so many architecture firms, there's hardly any chance we'd be able to just stumble on it it.

So, I remain fairly optimistic about the Orbit Project!

Braking new ground: Metro trains will recover energy (http://cities.expressindia.com/fullstory.php?newsid=233872)

“At any time, there would be 13 to 14 trains on the line, some decelerating and others accelerating,” explains K P Maheshwari, director, Mumbai Metro One Pvt Ltd, the special purpose vehicle company formed to build and operate the city’s first metro corridor. “Regenerative brakes supply some of the power needed to run trains from the power generated by decelerating.”
....
Meanwhile, to ensure uninterrupted power supply to the Rs 2,356-crore metro rail project, the Reliance Energy-led consortium is also planning UPS backup at all 12 stations, industrial-size diesel generator sets and a state-of the-art SCADA system.

Also, Metropolitan Commissioner Dr T Chandrashekhar said the utilities mapping had been completed and shifting would be undertaken immediately, so that construction of the metro rail viaduct can begin post-monsoon. “Shifting of electric poles is beginning soon,” Chandrashekhar said.

The Mumbai Metro One Pvt Ltd has shared the mapping of utility lines-sewers, water mains, telecom cables, fibre optics, gas lines, etc-below the Versova-Andheri-Ghatkopar route with the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation. “Our mapping is comprehensive and so impressive that the civic agencies have asked us to proceed with the shifting,” said Maheshwari.

To relocate Metro Rail oustees, MMRDA has 6-month deadline (http://cities.expressindia.com/fullstory.php?newsid=233799)

Mumbai, April 27: SIX months, starting March. That’s how much time the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) has to sort out the contentious issue of rehabilitating commercial and residential structures affected by the Mumbai Metro project.

“The MMRDA is seized of the issue and we are working closely with them,” said K P Maheshwari, director, Mumbai Metro One Pvt Ltd, confirming that the concession agreement between the consortium and the government stated that all encroaching structures along the corridor of the city’s first metro rail corridor would be removed by the MMRDA within six months.

Advertisement
Metropolitan Commissioner Dr T Chandrashekhar says over 80 per cent of the corridor has already been cleared. “Some difficult areas remain, like the shopowners at Andheri station,” he said.

Also, at Ghatkopar station, where the metro rail will meet the suburban railway for optimum connectivity, about 70 “dense” structures right outside the railway station will have to go. Two multi-storey buildings next to Sarvodaya Hospital at Ghatkopar will be affected too. “The residents have been asked to be relocated in the vicinity, we are looking into that,” Chandrashekhar said. The hospital itself is partly affected and has agreed to give up some area.

With Mumbai Metro One officials pursuing an “aggressive” rollout time of three years on the insistence of the government—the concession agreement, however, maintains the construction period as five years—the most serious issue that remains is the relocation of the 270 Andheri shopkeepers, who have resolutely refused to accept a rehabilitation plan that’s not as per their demands. “We’ve been here 60 years,” says Naveen Kothari of P Valchand Jewellers, one of the affected shopkeepers, whose family has run the enterprise for several generations. Needless to add, it’s a prime location and business is good.”Broadening the road to 120 feet is fine but we demand that our shops be shifted to the edge of that road.”

Mukesh Ganeshmal of Vardhaman Jewellers, also the secretary of the Andheri Shopkeepers and Residents Welfare Association, admits that road widening is inevitable, but says any relocation in a radius of 1.5 km from their current shops will be acceptable. “The MMRDA has orally agreed to give us all space in the mall to be constructed nearby,” he said.

For this most contentious patch, the MMRDA has proposed two alternative plans to the state government—a commercial complex to house all of them in a plot located close to Navrang Cinema or a redevelopment of the civic market building opposite the railway station. “The government has in principle given its nod to the special FSI of 4 for the market redevelopment proposal,” said Chandrashekhar. “Since we need to rehabilitate a large number of project affected people as well as the licencees in the existing BMC market, we are positive that this will be a workable solution.”

6 months from March, so thats Aug-Sep. Right by the end of monsoon. If things go well, construction should start by then. Ghatkopar will be a big challenge since roads are narrow and densely populated. I am really waiting to see some kind of design for the multi level concourse planned at Ghatkopar railway station. Will be interesting.

@ Gyrations- there is a mumbai metro thread in the infrastructure section :)

http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=451426

Just some random projects by Arihant Universal (http://www.arihantuniversal.com/):

-------==--=--==-------

Arihant Aradhana, Khargar:
http://img185.imageshack.us/img185/1249/aradhana1bigzn2.jpg

-------==--=--==-------

Arihant Darpan, Mulund:
http://img186.imageshack.us/img186/9687/darpanbigol5.jpg

-------==--=--==-------

G Square Business Park, Vashi: looks to be ~34 stories
http://img300.imageshack.us/img300/917/image4ku0.jpg

-------==--=--==-------

In case you're interested, I created a thread on the Park Hyatt Tower here:
MUMBAI | Park Hyatt Tower | 301m | 85 fl | U/C (http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=471040)

^^ Yep! your right there...

A fabulous tower indeed.

The tower is very near Chowpatty Beach and Marine Drive looking at the render.

Imagine the view from the higher floors!!! It will dwarf everything in the vicinity.

No it's not near Chowpatty Beach. Of course this bldg will still have good view to the sea. It's in Marine Lines not Marine Drive.
That area is already too crowded. There are no good roads to support this huge structure. I wish they had built this on Marine drive so access to this through future nariman point sea link would have been easier.

A fabulous tower indeed.

The tower is very near Chowpatty Beach and Marine Drive looking at the render.

Imagine the view from the higher floors!!! It will dwarf everything in the vicinity.

we got like wut 3 80+ towers, one already in construction; this all happened in one week, now we've got metro in 5 yrs

mumbai is on crack

Well, let's not get ahead of ourselves. We really don't know how tall the IFC is going to be

Judging from this rendering, I'd place the building in one of these plots:
http://img508.imageshack.us/img508/9949/image2jp7.jpg

How about a new thread: "Mumbai Commercial Supertalls Announced: Park Hyatt Tower" under India -> Cityscapes -> Projects? After all it is the tallest announced yet and we only care about height and not the actual sq ft or investments.

Whats your problem dude?. How does it bother you if people are enthusiastic about new tall buildings?.

After all it is the tallest announced yet and we only care about height and not the actual sq ft or investments.
Yup, pretty much.

Jai, you are a gem!

Marine Lines may be the next Mumbai CBD!

Nice rendering Jai. I live in the same area that you rendered. I know it's not my bldg that's going down and as per as I know there is no big size vacant plot or slum/enchrochment in this area. I will try to find out more information/photos in this summer when I am there.
Judging from this rendering, I'd place the building in one of these plots:

Yeah, it was just a guess based on the rendering. It'd be great to have someone on the ground who can do some scouting. You should keep an eye out for hoardings or signs going up. Supposedly land has already been vacacted, but that doesn't mean that (vacant) buildings may still be up

It's somewhere there, behind Maharishi Kharve road. You can also kind of infer the position in relation to that fishing dock and the geography of the beach/coast. It seems to be behind that reddish 15-18 storey building, from the angle of the rendring. So if you find it in real life, its going to be south of that.

BTW, here is Shankala Group's Sterling Tower, Magazon: 34-35 stories

http://img377.imageshack.us/img377/2275/12jo.jpg

I've added some more buildings to the main highrise forums. I'll try to add more buildings in the next couple of days that we have the most information on

MUMBAI | The Imperial Towers | 249m | 60 fl | U/C (http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=471390)

MUMBAI | Lodha Bellissimo | 252m | 50 fl | U/C (http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=471379)

Please do not top old or redunant threads in the main forums. We need to consolidate all of our information to several main threads that conform to the new thread regulations. Thanks

Jai , whats the project of three 45-storey buildings by Dynamix group coming up goregaon ??

Orchid Woods maybe? But they're closer to 52-54 stories I think...
http://img85.imageshack.us/img85/2562/1qc2.jpg

Thnx. There is news about it, but here it says its 45-storey's. So just wanted to be sure if this is something different than orchid woods.I hope its still 52-54 storeys. Btw, these 3 towers wont be too far from Marine lines Hyatt i guess..

http://cities.expressindia.com/fullstory.php?newsid=235159

No it's not near Chowpatty Beach. Of course this bldg will still have good view to the sea. It's in Marine Lines not Marine Drive.
That area is already too crowded. There are no good roads to support this huge structure. I wish they had built this on Marine drive so access to this through future nariman point sea link would have been easier.

Well looking at Jai's map (even not accuate) looks pretty close to Marine Drive and Chowpatty Beach.

marine lines is just behind marine drive, separated by the width of railway tracks

Thanks Bombay Boy for clearing that.

Just some random projects by Arihant Universal (http://www.arihantuniversal.com/):

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Arihant Aradhana, Khargar:
http://img185.imageshack.us/img185/1249/aradhana1bigzn2.jpg

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Apparently a chicks only area...:cheers:

Whats your problem dude?. How does it bother you if people are enthusiastic about new tall buildings?.
No no..what's your problem ?
You don't like banging your head against a wall ?:lol:

I think you should stop trying to convince him....and enjoy this thread.....

Orchid Woods maybe? But they're closer to 52-54 stories I think...
http://img85.imageshack.us/img85/2562/1qc2.jpg
the paper ads mention 650 feet height, or about 200m, for this one.

Assuming the India average ove about 3.5m/floor, it would work out to around 57 stories.

The rendering above is the older rendering. Newer renderings show the podium redesigned somewhat. A floor count on these renderings give around 55 floors IIRC.

paying tribute - A new landmark in BKC

Post-monsoon, RIL will start building Dhirubhai Ambani International Convention and Exhibition Centre

Smita Deshmukh
DNA India Epaper - 07 May 2007

Culture, commerce and community. That will be the theme of Mumbai’s next-generation global business address. With environment clearance, design approval and site preparation in place, decks are being cleared for the proposed Dhirubhai Ambani International Convention and Exhibition Centre (DAICEC) in the Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC). Work is scheduled to begin post-monsoon, with officials eyeing an early 2009 deadline for the launch.
Reliance Industries Limited (RIL) made a clinching bid of Rs 1,104 crore for the 75,000 square metre plot in January 2006. Personally monitored by RIL Chairman and Managing Director Mukesh Ambani, along with his wife Neeta, the project will be the family’s tribute to the late Dhirubhai Ambani.

The DAICEC will have 20,000 square metre commercial area, while the remaining 55,000 square metre has been earmarked as Convention and Exhibition (C&E) area.

The RIL’s global signature headquarters will be shifting to the commercial area, which will house its corporate office and those of its main partners and vendors.

The Rs 2,000-crore project will be an architectural delight— the sprawling 25,000 square metre exhibition area will have five halls offering banquet facilities to 4,000 people, board rooms of varying sizes — fit for contingents of any size between 20 and 450, Congress hall for 1,500 people, VIP lounges, 24-hour multi-cuisine restaurants and shopping area.

The most prominent feature of the hub will be the 2,000-seat performing arts theatre and convention hall designed on the lines of Los Angeles’ Kodak theatre. “The entire area will have a large outdoor public concourse, which will be integrated to create a venue for big international events in Mumbai. The DAICEC will also trigger economic benefits for the city,” said RIL’s Shalin Tandon, the project leader.

RIL is also planning a 150-room boutique hotel, with an exclusive Billionaire’s Club for global business bosses and heads of states to reside and interact. To make the eco-friendly environment complete, there will be musical fountains and water bodies. “We will develop a waterfront along the Mithi river, once its cleanup phases are over. We have told top MMRDA officials that the promenade would be a tourist attraction,” said Tandon.

With an estimated 1,50,000 people expected to throng the area daily, RIL is bidding for plots in BKC for parking. “The main design has parking facility for 6,000 cars. We are in the process of acquiring an RG1 plot next door, which has two-level underground car parks. The integration of the DAICEC with the entire BKC will facilitate traffic management,” said Tandon.


Special features
- RIL made a clinching bid of Rs 1,104 crore for the 75,000 square metre plot in January 2006

- Personally monitored by Neeta and Mukesh Ambani, the project will be a tribute to the late Dhirubhai Ambani

- 20,000 sq mt has been earmarked as commercial area. It will house the RIL corporate office and those of its main partners and vendors The 25,000 sq mt exhibition area will have 5 banquet halls, board rooms, VIP lounges, 24-hour multi-cuisine restaurants and shopping area

- The most prominent feature will be the 2,000-seat performing arts theatre and convention hall resembling Los Angeles' Kodak theatre

http://img183.imageshack.us/img183/3552/070520070050301hg2.th.jpg (http://img183.imageshack.us/my.php?image=070520070050301hg2.jpg)

“We will develop a waterfront along the Mithi river, once its cleanup phases are over. We have told top MMRDA officials that the promenade would be a tourist attraction,”

That sounds good.

No no..what's your problem ?
You don't like banging your head against a wall ?:lol:

I think you should stop trying to convince him....and enjoy this thread.....

So, here we have one who is complaining because someone else has complained about another complainee. How preposterous?

I am enjoying the thread until some party pooper comes in between to spoil the enjoyment. I aint keep quiet if somebody does that, thats my nature. Live with that.