The two promenades of Bandra – Bandstand and Carter Road – will receive a makeover after 18 years with an allotted budget of approximately ₹13 crore. Maharashtra Maritime Board (MMR) along with a group of local architects, Bandra Collective and architect PK Das & Associates, took up the work to refurbish the seafronts.
Earlier, the Carter Road promenade was used as an illegal dumping ground at night. But 18 years ago, the area was developed and transformed into a beautiful place and once again, it is expected that the development will add to the beauty with the inclusion of an amphitheatre, and lights on the water’s edges.
Also Read: A March Towards The Safety Of Bhendi Bazaar
The major focus of the architects at Bandstand is to retain the walls adjoining sea and create ‘ghats’ – steps for people to sit and enjoy the view in leisure. ₹10 crore has been allotted for Carter Road seafront whereas the Bandstand promenade will cost around ₹2.82 crore. Actor and Member of Parliament (MP), Rekha has also given ₹2.5 crore from her MPLAD fund.
Sameep Padora, an architect from Bandra Collective told Mumbai Mirror,“It will make the promenade look larger and part of the seafront. The existing space is not enough for an amphitheatre. So we will create more space and rework on the paving with abstract patterns depicting blue-green water to make it visually appealing for walkers.”
Architect PK Das, who leads the project of both the promenades said that he had planned several things and explained how the earlier flooring had worn out and needed a refurbishment. He also added that the new flooring would consist of pre-cast paver blocks and would not look like cement flooring.
Also Read: BMC To Boost Digital Advertisements, Offers 10 Percent Discount To Digital Hoardings!
However, the locals are not pleased with the selection of the contractor. As per reports, Unitech Construction is a blacklisted contractor who is being proposed for the job of the Carter Road seafront. Even MLA Ashish Shelar had demanded the contractor to be blacklisted.
Responding to the allegations, the MMR official clarified that the contractor had applied online and nothing has yet been finalised, and further added that only the qualified contractors will be eligible for commercial bidding.
Share
Tweet
