Mumbai is often described as India’s financial capital, the city of dreams, and the beating heart of the nation’s economy. Yet, for millions of its citizens, Mumbai is also the city of broken promises. For decades, the city has been systematically failed — by its politicians, by its administrators, and most consistently, by its own civic body, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC).

The Paradox of the Richest, Yet Poorest in Service

The BMC is the richest municipal corporation in the country, its budget larger than some Indian states. But this wealth has not translated into quality of life for Mumbaikars. Roads disintegrate within days of being patched. Even a few millimeters of rain choke the city. Potholes kill people every monsoon. Slums emerge overnight and become permanent fixtures under political protection. Garbage management remains erratic.

This paradox is not about money; it is about governance — or rather, the lack of it.

Politicians and Administrators: A Legacy of Neglect

For years, successive governments treated Mumbai as a revenue cow, extracting from it without reinvesting meaningfully. Bureaucrats and civic officials, shielded by corruption and political patronage, turned inefficiency into an art form.

The rot was most visible during the tenure of the UBT-led government. Metro projects that could have significantly eased the burden on commuters were stalled under the guise of “environmental concerns.” Meanwhile, the ambitious BDD Chawl Redevelopment project, floated in 2017 to give over 15,500 families new homes, ground to a halt. In 2020, Larsen & Toubro (L&T), one of the main contractors, threatened to pull out altogether, citing slow progress and administrative hurdles. Thousands of families waiting for dignified housing were left stranded.

This was not governance; it was paralysis.

The Fadnavis Intervention

Contrast this with Devendra Fadnavis’s tenure, where for the first time in decades, Mumbai saw a serious attempt to modernize.

• Coastal Road: A transformative project to ease traffic congestion.
• Atal Setu: Seamless connectivity between Mumbai and Navi Mumbai.
• Metro Expansion: The maximum number of metro projects were pushed during his government, offering a real alternative to the city’s overburdened transport.

On housing, his interventions were equally significant. Instead of appointing private developers with questionable motives, Fadnavis placed MHADA in charge of the BDD Chawl Redevelopment, ensuring top-tier contractors were brought in. He also floated global tenders for Dharavi’s redevelopment — Asia’s largest slum — and for GTN Nagar, one of Mumbai’s oldest refugee camps. Crucially, the vision was not displacement, but in-situ rehabilitation, at no cost to original residents.

This marked a rare moment in Mumbai’s history: a government thinking of ordinary Mumbaikars before builders.

The Present Pain and the Path Forward

Yes, today the city is under stress. Traffic jams have worsened, construction disrupts daily life, and patience is wearing thin. But this disruption is the result of decades of neglect finally being confronted. Mumbai is undergoing surgery after years of misdiagnosis. The pain is real, but so is the prospect of healing.

Yet one problem persists: while Fadnavis pushes relentlessly, the city’s administrative machinery does not. The BMC remains riddled with corruption. Civic officials are unaccountable. Police often dismiss the everyday grievances of citizens. Bureaucrats resist change, dragging their feet despite political will.

If Mumbai’s transformation is to succeed, the Chief Minister must now direct his attention towards the city’s officials — tightening the noose around corrupt systems and demanding accountability at every level.

Conclusion: Hope Amidst Betrayal

Mumbai has been failed repeatedly — by politicians who stalled projects, by administrators who obstructed, and by a civic body that squanders its wealth. The UBT government stalled infrastructure and allowed critical projects like BDD Chawl redevelopment to languish.

But under Fadnavis, the city is finally seeing a blueprint for change — roads, bridges, metros, and housing for those who built Mumbai with their sweat.

The frustration today is real. But unlike in the past, so is the hope. Because for the first time in a long time, there is leadership that dares to dream, and more importantly, has the track record to deliver. The battle ahead is not just against potholes or floods, but against the entrenched culture of corruption and apathy that has long defined Mumbai’s governance.

And that is a battle Mumbai cannot afford to lose.

Also Read: Devendra Fadnavis Puts Dharavi Redevelopment back on track

The post What and Who Failed Mumbai? appeared first on Square Feat India.

The Coastal Road which will be an another infrastructural marvel, envisioned to ease traffic congestion and enhance connectivity between the northern and southern parts of the city, is also expected to have far-reaching impacts on the real estate landscape of the western suburbs, an area known for its high-end residential properties and bustling commercial hubs.

Speaking on its potential impact on the real estate market, Prashant Sharma – President, NAREDCO Maharashtra said, “The inauguration of the Mumbai Coastal Road is a momentous occasion that marks a significant leap forward in enhancing the infrastructure and connectivity within Mumbai. This project is not just an engineering marvel but also a testament to the city’s commitment to sustainable and comprehensive urban development. This development is expected to bolster the real estate sector in the neighboring areas, making them more attractive to both investors and homebuyers. Improved accessibility can enhance property values, stimulate economic activities, and provide a fillip to the housing, hospitality and retail sectors along the route.”

The Coastal Road project is expected to significantly impact the residential real estate market in the western suburbs. Developers predict a rise in property prices, spurred by the improved infrastructure. Moreover, the enhanced quality of life, coupled with the scenic coastal views, is likely to attract a more affluent demographic, leading to a shift in the area’s socio-economic fabric. Leading real estate developers in the region have voiced their optimism regarding the project’s impact.

Vedanshu Kedia, Director, Prescon Group, a prominent real estate developer in Mumbai, commented, “The Coastal Road is not just an infrastructure project; it’s a catalyst for urban transformation. We anticipate a surge in demand for residential properties in Central-South Mumbai especially in Mahim-Matunga due to its close proximity to the Sealink and reclamation – a core connector to the coastal road plan.”

Already a preferred location for luxury residential projects, the Western suburbs of Mumbai is expected to see a rise in property values. The improved connectivity offered by the Coastal Road along with the metro connectivity will make the western suburbs an even more attractive destination for prospective homebuyers and investors.

Umesh Jandial, Chief Business Officer of Omkar Realtors & Developers, commented, “The Coastal Road is more than just an infrastructural development; it’s a vision that will redefine living in the western suburbs. The projects here offer ease of commute to business districts like BKC & Andheri and therefore this location is witnessing premium quotient and strong demand. For instance, we foresee a surge in demand and price appreciation for residential properties in the Malad-Goregaon region, especially luxury segments, given the improved accessibility and scenic locales.”

Similarly, Rohan Khatau, Director of CCI Projects, believes that the project will unlock new opportunities. “The western suburbs have always been attractive for homebuyers. With the Coastal Road, there’s an added advantage of reduced commute times and enhanced connectivity to key business districts, making it an even more desirable location for residential investments. Areas like Borivali and Kandivali are particularly attractive, offering a lifestyle upgrade and seamless connectivity, drawing residents from south and central Mumbai,” he stated.

As per a recent Knight Frank India analysis, of the total properties registered in February 2024, Central and Western suburbs together constituted over 73% as these locations are a hotbed for new launches offering a wide range of modern amenities and good connectivity. 86% of Western suburb consumers opted to purchase within their micro market. This choice is influenced by the familiarity of the location, along with the availability of products that align with their pricing and feature preferences.The Coastal Road project also includes the development of green spaces, cycling tracks, and pedestrian walkways along the coastline, adding to the quality of life for the city’s residents. These features are expected to complement the high-end residential projects, offering a blend of luxury and sustainability. While the project promises numerous benefits, it also brings challenges, particularly in terms of environmental sustainability. Developers and urban planners are advocating for eco-friendly construction practices and emphasizing the need to balance development with ecological preservation.

The Coastal Road is set to be a transformative force for the western suburbs, offering a blend of improved connectivity, enhanced real estate value, and a better quality of life. This project is more than just a roadway; it represents a new chapter in Mumbai’s urban development, promising a brighter future for the city and its residents.

Also Read: 3BHKs Lead the Market  

The post Mumbai Coastal Road: Paving the Way for Real Estate Boom in Western Suburbs appeared first on Square Feat India.

The completion of Coastal Road is anticipated to boost property values, attract investments, and foster a new wave of urbanization in the western suburbs. Leading real estate developers in the region have voiced their optimism regarding the project’s impact.

Vedanshu Kedia, Director, Prescon Group, a prominent real estate developer in Mumbai, commented, “The Coastal Road is not just an infrastructure project; it’s a catalyst for urban transformation. We anticipate a surge in demand for residential properties in Central-South Mumbai especially in Mahim-Matunga due to its close proximity to the Sealink and reclamation – a core connector to the coastal road plan.”

The Coastal Road which will be an another infrastructural marvel, envisioned to ease traffic congestion and enhance connectivity between the northern and southern parts of the city, is also expected to have far-reaching impacts on the real estate landscape of the western suburbs, an area known for its high-end residential properties and bustling commercial hubs.

Aayush Patel, Director, Atul Projects India Private Limited stated, “The Coastal Road is a crucial step towards decongesting Mumbai’s perennial traffic issues. It will not only benefit daily commuters but also boost the real estate market along the western suburbs. The enhanced accessibility and reduced travel time are likely to attract more residents and businesses to the area.”

As per a recent Knight Frank India analysis, of the total properties registered in January 2024, Central and Western suburbs together constituted over 75% as these locations are a hotbed for new launches offering a wide range of modern amenities and good connectivity. 86% of Western suburb consumers opted to purchase within their micro market. This choice is influenced by the familiarity of the location, along with the availability of products that align with their pricing and feature preferences.

The Coastal Road project is expected to significantly impact the residential real estate market in the western suburbs. Developers predict a rise in property prices, spurred by the improved infrastructure. Moreover, the enhanced quality of life, coupled with the scenic coastal views, is likely to attract a more affluent demographic, leading to a shift in the area’s socio-economic fabric.

Umesh Jandial, Chief Business Officer of Omkar Realtors & Developers, commented, “The Coastal Road is more than just an infrastructural development; it’s a vision that will redefine living in the western suburbs. The projects here offer ease of commute to business districts like BKC & Andheri and therefore this location is witnessing premium quotient and strong demand. For instance, we foresee a surge in demand and price appreciation for residential properties in the Malad-Goregaon region, especially luxury segments, given the improved accessibility and scenic locales.”

Similarly, Rohan Khatau, Director of CCI Projects, believes that the project will unlock new opportunities. “The western suburbs have always been attractive for homebuyers. With the Coastal Road, there’s an added advantage of reduced commute times and enhanced connectivity to key business districts, making it an even more desirable location for residential investments. Areas like Borivali and Kandivali are particularly attractive, offering a lifestyle upgrade and seamless connectivity, drawing residents from south and central Mumbai,” he stated.

The project also includes the development of green spaces, cycling tracks, and pedestrian walkways along the coastline, adding to the quality of life for the city’s residents. These features are expected to complement the high-end residential projects, offering a blend of luxury and sustainability. While the project promises numerous benefits, it also brings challenges, particularly in terms of environmental sustainability. Developers and urban planners are advocating for eco-friendly construction practices and emphasizing the need to balance development with ecological preservation.

The Coastal Road is set to be a transformative force for the western suburbs, offering a blend of improved connectivity, enhanced real estate value, and a better quality of life. As the project progresses, the anticipation among Mumbaikars is palpable. This project is more than just a roadway; it represents a new chapter in Mumbai’s urban development, promising a brighter future for the city and its residents.

Also Read: Infrastructure projects set to power Real Estate growth in Navi Mumbai & Panvel region

The post Mumbai Coastal Road: A catalyst for real estate growth in Western Suburbs appeared first on Square Feat India.