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-   -   Mumbai -- Project News and Developments (https://skyscraperpage.com/forum/showthread.php?t=126768)

Jai Mar 6, 2007 5:18 AM
Mumbai -- Project News and Developments
 
I'll parallel SSC's Mumbai developments page here. I won't post previous months news (check there for news going back 2 years), but I will start off say... mid feb?

First lets start off with some Mumbai-mood setting background music. Play this in the backround while you read the thread ;)
• Video Link

• Video Link

And a video of Mumbai's rising skyline.
• Video Link

Also, check out the following thread for a Rundown of Mumbai's booming development, including a total of 65 skyscraper projects over 40 stories and above:
The Bombay *BOOM* -- A Rendering Rundown of u/c Mumbai skyscrapers

Most of them concentrated in the area seen in the 2nd youtube video above. (And most of them aren't even tall enough to be seen!) Mumbai's Dharavi and Mill land CBD development will literally quadruple the current building boom by 2009, and double the current allowable FSI will make for both commerical and residential supertalls.


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

Some recent skyline views...

Back Bay view of skyline:
http://img213.imageshack.us/img213/2...o2wholelw6.jpg
Supersized Version of this Photo

Powai skyline
http://img135.imageshack.us/img135/7...aaab12cuh8.jpg
Supersized Version of this Photo



And now, on to the news...

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

-Jai

Jai Mar 6, 2007 5:19 AM
RIVAL FOR BKC? - Wadala will soon be a business hub
 
Verdict on Gateway plan today
http://img246.imageshack.us/img246/7...715233ajp4.jpg
Quote:
TOI Epaper 21 Feb 2007

Toilets proposed in the earlier plaza have been dropped in this recent plan

Naresh Kamath
Mumbai

THE GRAND makeover planned for the Gateway of India may finally come through. On Wednesday, the beautification plan for the heritage structure will be placed before the standing committee of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) — after a two-year wait.

If it is passed, it means in the near future a visit to Gateway will not entail being greeted by pesky hawkers, parking chaos. Haphazardly planned and illmaintained gardens will give way to better organised green areas with facilities.

Visitors will be able to enjoy a view of the Gateway of India from a viewers plaza and also enjoy the sea breeze from the 400metre promenade to be built in the vicinity of the structure.

The Rs 4.59-crore plan to give a face-lift to the surroundings was prepared by noted architect P.K. Das for the Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH).

Mayor Datta Dalvi said the beautification will be undertaken keeping in mind the historic importance of the place. “This is a significant structure in the city and visited by lakhs of tourists,” said Dalvi. “Changes will be made keeping in mind existing aesthetic aspects of the place.” Besides signage and lighting, the plan includes shifting stalls like ticket booths, milk centres and a police chowky to one side.


ON THE CARDS
1. A gallery of steps will be constructed at foot of the Shivaji statue. There will be an elevated garden around the statue. The gallery will be used to hold shows; visitors can sit there and look at the bay.

2. A section for amenities (milk centre, police chowki, ticket kiosks will be built below elevated garden near Wittet fountain.

3. Parking lot behind statue connected to the amenities section. Parking spaces on both sides of the garden will be removed.
http://img388.imageshack.us/img388/6...6015qr7.th.jpg


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

RIVAL FOR BKC? - Wadala will soon be a business hub
Quote:
DNA India Epaper 21 Feb 07

http://img519.imageshack.us/img519/5...99c23cdnh5.jpgGigil

Varghese
Mumbai

STATE URBAN planners expect to soon finish drafting a plan to develop a huge swathe of Wadala as a business district to rival the Bandra-Kurla Complex, after dusting off a nearly three-decade-old proposal. The plan also envisions making the area the city’s transport hub.

The plan will be completed in about a month, said T. Chandrashekhar, joint commissioner of Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authori ty, which is working on the plan along with a consultant.

“We are pushing to get the project off the ground,” he said. The project was mooted in 1979, but didn’t take off, unlike the other projects that planning body has pulled off, including the Bandra-Kurla Complex.

The planning body has finished acquiring nearly all the 200 acres identified for the project, and will soon shift transit tenements in the area to another location, said an official.

The district is to include commercial centers, hotels, multiplexes, parking lots and parks. These buildings will be subject to architectural norms relating to height and facades, which the planning body will stipulate as it did for the Bandra-Kurla Complex.

The plan also envisions making the area the terminus for bus and truck operators, although an official said they may initially protest against moving from their current hub near the Mumbai port in south Mumbai because they pay very low rents there.

Road links to the district will also be improved, officials said.

Jai Mar 6, 2007 5:20 AM
via HT Mumbai Feb23
http://img341.imageshack.us/img341/3...aiwaterve2.jpg

Jai Mar 6, 2007 5:25 AM
Some project updates
 
---------==--=--==---------

Remember 45 storey Akruti Lakewoods in Thane?

Here's a night rendering:
http://img370.imageshack.us/img370/139/58305094te5.jpg

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

Regarding Sumer Burhani Park,
http://img238.imageshack.us/img238/9...679f234ag5.jpg

Here's a view that I don't think was posted before:
http://img238.imageshack.us/img238/9...679fed6xa1.jpg

Seeing as the 2nd pic is older, it seems that 4-spired, er, thingy became the one-spired convention center seen in the top rendering

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

Larger rendering of upcoming Neelkanth Greens, Thane: several buildings of 30 stories each
http://img403.imageshack.us/img403/2214/77435079lj8.jpg

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

Another rendering of Kalpataru Towers, Kandivali (East)
http://img409.imageshack.us/img409/3070/49244012ef6.jpg

Does indeed look to be 32 stories

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

Nirmal Group's Amethyst, Mulund
http://img413.imageshack.us/img413/9478/40628515is1.jpg

Looks to be 32-34 stories

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

Also, remember that Raheja Excelsior project at Haji Ali?
http://img135.imageshack.us/img135/3...orlargeqc9.jpg

Looks like it, too, went a great redesign. This one hasn't hit the internet yet, but is taken from a recent photograph of a hoarding in South Mumbai.

http://img224.imageshack.us/img224/4702/image6kf7.jpg

Counting the floors, I'm going to confirm my estimation of the previous render saying at 45 stories tall. We'll have to wait for a larger rendering to come out to be more certain.

http://img99.imageshack.us/img99/295...sgmxfz2.th.jpg

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Some nice malls by architect Reza Kabul

Orchid Mall, Malad
http://img261.imageshack.us/img261/8...2f09e49qj9.jpg

http://img261.imageshack.us/img261/3...2f0e7d5yc3.jpg

Raghuleela Mall, Mumbai
http://img265.imageshack.us/img265/3...2f2f1fdty9.jpg

http://img265.imageshack.us/img265/3...2f30518dx6.jpg

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

Here is the largest size rendering of Imperial Towers I believe exists on the net. The previous rendering was about 1/2 the size:

http://img79.imageshack.us/img79/1268/sdtowrewf3.jpg
^ You can see many details you otherwise couldn't have in the smaller rendering, especially in the roof.

However, this is only the 2nd latest of 3 released designs, so it may not reflect the current design, which looks more like this:
http://img149.imageshack.us/img149/2...29ef503no3.jpg

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Cheers,
Jai

Jai Mar 6, 2007 5:27 AM
Mystery Lokhandwala Constructions Project
 
http://img398.imageshack.us/img398/836/emotiiamlj8.gif http://img398.imageshack.us/img398/836/emotiiamlj8.gif http://img398.imageshack.us/img398/836/emotiiamlj8.gif http://img398.imageshack.us/img398/836/emotiiamlj8.gif http://img398.imageshack.us/img398/836/emotiiamlj8.gif

Here's an interesting building seemingly planned by Lokhandwala Constructions, which can be seen on the wall in the photo accompanying the article "Greedy slumdwellers are maligning me" in HT e-paper on 25 Feb.
http://img135.imageshack.us/img135/6711/61050719pz7.jpg

A closeup of the building. Looks to be about 32-34 stories
http://img85.imageshack.us/img85/1048/79818872jo3.jpg


There are a couple other buildings that look like they may be taller in the pictures above that one, but they are hard to make out...

Source:
http://img154.imageshack.us/img154/5...d078fk2.th.jpg

http://img398.imageshack.us/img398/836/emotiiamlj8.gif http://img398.imageshack.us/img398/836/emotiiamlj8.gif http://img398.imageshack.us/img398/836/emotiiamlj8.gif http://img398.imageshack.us/img398/836/emotiiamlj8.gif http://img398.imageshack.us/img398/836/emotiiamlj8.gif

Jai Mar 6, 2007 5:28 AM
Lodha Bellissimo Model
 
NDTV has this on Lodha Bellessimo: High-end property in Mumbai
Aired on: [October 1, 2006]

It features an awesome model of the project by Lodha Group:
http://img412.imageshack.us/img412/2146/81273526fr0.jpg

http://img253.imageshack.us/img253/3017/95028572cs8.jpg

http://img158.imageshack.us/img158/3776/98139375sb3.jpg

http://img160.imageshack.us/img160/5196/71886674ko3.jpg

http://img158.imageshack.us/img158/1307/77952387jh9.jpg

http://img253.imageshack.us/img253/8770/75492259uh0.jpg


As well as a guided walkthrough through these ultra expensive flats

Jai Mar 6, 2007 5:29 AM
Mill auction to push prices through roof
 
Mill auction to push prices through roof
Quote:
TOI Epaper
09 Jan 2007

Madhurima Nandy
Mumbai

http://img212.imageshack.us/img212/6...11e98f2pn9.jpg
(Above) Construction work underway 24/7 at Jupiter Mills SOUMITRA GHOSH/HT

REAL ESTATE prices in central Mumbai could rise because developers are expected to bid higher-than-market rates for the National Textile Corporation’s proposed auction of four mills in Worli and Parel, real estate consultants said.

The sale will free up 40 acres of land to private developers in this land-starved city, an area that is twice that of the Oval Maidan and thrice that of the Cooperage.

The textile company plans to sell the 18-acre Madhusudan Mill, its largest mill in Mumbai, Poddar Processors and Bharat Textile Mill, all three in Worli, and Finlay Mill in Parel.

The three mills in Worli could fetch more than the going rate of Rs 20,000 per sq ft and the one in Parel more than Rs 12,000 per sq ft, the consultants said.

“Prices will be as high if not more (than existing rates), with more developers coming in from out of Mumbai this time,” said Joy Gopal Sanyal, vice president at Trammel Crow Meghraj, a property consultant. He said these new developers might bid jointly for these bids with real estate funds.

Some consultants echoed a long-standing criticism of the government’s policy for mill lands, by pointing out that the city’s infrastructure could not bear the burden of further private development.

“There needs to be some method in the madness,” said Pranay Vakil, chairman of Knight Frank India. “There needs to be some regulation.” Real estate prices in Mumbai, which are among the highest in the world, had begun to rise at the end of 2004. They got a further boost when the National Textile Corporation auctioned its first set of five mills, Sanyal said.

Prices soared even over the period in which the company had sold these mills. It had sold Mumbai Textile Mill in mid-2005 for Rs 7,000 per sq ft. A month later, it got Rs 15,000 per sq ft for Kohinoor Mill.


NTC MILLS SOLD
Jupiter Mill, Lower Parel: 14 acres
Sold to: Indiabulls
Plans: Three towers office space

Mumbai Textile Mill, Lower Parel: 17.5 acres
Sold to: Jwala Realty
Plans: Biggest shopping mall

Apollo Mill, Chinchpokli
Sold to: Lodha Group
Plans: Lodha Bellissimo, an upmarket residential project

Kohinoor Mill No 3, Dadar: 4.9 acres
Sold to: Raj Thackeray-Unmesh Joshi partnered Kohinoor CTNL
Plans: Shopping mall coming up

Elphinstone Mill, Senapati Bapat Marg: 7.8 acres
Sold to: Indiabulls
Plans: Plans not yet known

NTC also plans to develop on its own:
India United Mill No 6
Where: Prabhadevi
Plans: India International Trade Tower, a 72-storeyed tower in the 11.96 acre mill.

Remaining NTC mills some of which will be sold and some will be functional:
Kohinoor Mill No 1 and India United Mill No 5, No 2, Dadar Kalachowkie Digvijay Mill, Lalbaug Tata Mills, Parel Gold Mohur Mill, Dadar New City, Kalachowkie India United Mill No 1, Poddar Mill, NM Joshi Lalbaug Marg

http://img413.imageshack.us/img413/1...3259650rz6.jpg
(Above) Madhusudan Mill in Worli

NTC MILLS TO BE SOLD
New Hind Mill – Mhada
Size: 8.33 acres
Where: Byculla

India United Mill No 4 – Mhada
Size: 7.79 acres
Where: Kalachowkie

Jam Mill – Mhada
Size: 7.99 acres
Where: Lalbaug

Sitaram Mills: MCGM
Size: 8.43 acres
Where: NM Joshi Marg

India United Mill No 2: MCGM
Size: 10.64 acres
Where: Kalachowkie

India United Mill No 3: MCGM
Size: 5.40 acres
Where: Kalachowkie
http://img259.imageshack.us/img259/9...2117ss1.th.jpg

Jai Mar 6, 2007 5:30 AM
"Palais Royale" potential Tallest Tower?
 
Firstly,

Mumbai's skyscrapers add to civic woes
Quote:
Anjali Doshi
Wednesday, February 7, 2007 (Mumbai):

Promoted by Vikas Kasliwal of Shree Ram Mills, Palais Royale is all set to be one of Mumbai's tallest and most luxurious skyscrapers.

The 700-feet high building, to be ready in 2009, boasts of indoor heated swimming pools, ample parking space and world-class fire safety norms.
Here is the link to the video report of this story. It has a quick peek at both the construction site (construction seems to be underway) as well as a quck pan on the elevation.

http://img261.imageshack.us/img261/5222/10702907yp7.jpg

http://img292.imageshack.us/img292/8545/94712125wc9.jpg

It took some time to splice the screencaps together. I think it is in correct proportion.
http://img264.imageshack.us/img264/6827/93199294df2.jpg

Vikas Kasliwal of Shree Ram Mills also said this in the video report:
Quote:
"It doesn't have too many stories, but since each storey has a very good height we've gone to very good heights. It will probably end up being a fairly tall building. We're not aiming to be the tallest building, but I think we may just end up being one of the tallest."
The newsreader also said:
Quote:
But the title city's tallest is hotly contested. In the next two years three projects will vie for that honor.

http://img261.imageshack.us/img261/1782/95029595os3.jpg
However, they forgot to mention Oberoi Skyz in the contest, which isn't surprising, seeing as Oberoi Construction seems to be trying to draw as little attention to it as possible.

I can't find the builder, architect or promoter's website. Seeing as this is going to be an 'invitation only' project, just like also u/c Oberoi Skyz, and Reliance Tower, we're probably not going to see any good quality renderings outside brief newsclips until its nearly finished. :(


-Jai

Jai Mar 6, 2007 5:35 AM
Lodha Developers's New Projects
 
Lodha Builders has updated their website. Some new projects. Unfortunately, they are small, but are of good quality:

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Lodha Solitaire, Napean Sea Road: 16 stories
http://img152.imageshack.us/img152/7...155c74ake9.jpg

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Chateau Paradis, Worli
http://img95.imageshack.us/img95/265...158ff14eb5.jpg

http://img99.imageshack.us/img99/255...s5b9ddbhe4.jpg

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

Lodha Palazzo
http://img341.imageshack.us/img341/9...159ec91oe0.jpg

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

Lodha Paradise
http://img153.imageshack.us/img153/6...rs25e5dpd5.jpg

http://img153.imageshack.us/img153/8...e5e7d06ms1.jpg

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

Re: Lodha Belissimo they've uploaded this neat little map
http://www.lodhagroup.com/images/pro...o/location.jpg

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Before, the following was the only rendering we had of Lodha Grandeur
http://img150.imageshack.us/img150/2097/build29uo.jpg

Now they've uploaded
http://img153.imageshack.us/img153/3...15d46b9mm3.jpg

http://img153.imageshack.us/img153/6...25d7431mc5.jpg

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-Jai

Jai Mar 6, 2007 5:39 AM
Hey guys, remember this?
http://img319.imageshack.us/img319/4...ndebldg1sl.jpg

Well,BEAU-FRICKIN-MONDE, baby!!!


The first high-res pics of the buildings under construction, from exploreyd @ webshots:

http://img402.imageshack.us/img402/3361/36849205ev7.jpg


Yay,
Jai

Jai Mar 6, 2007 5:52 AM
Bandra-Worli Sealink update
 
http://img187.imageshack.us/img187/3136/sealinkvk3.jpg

http://img125.imageshack.us/img125/4...64a677oue1.jpg

http://img265.imageshack.us/img265/5...ff49c8oit8.jpg

Jai Mar 6, 2007 5:58 AM
Mumbai Metro Update
 
http://img297.imageshack.us/img297/1...aptrainih2.jpg

Also, a rendering of a "typical" elevated metro station, from Mumbai Metro website:
http://img83.imageshack.us/img83/2953/facilitiesct1.jpg

Each metro station will be a combined metro station-retail-hospitality outlet that will be designed and built by private developers. As they vie for passengers and shoppers, expect the competition to be extremely heated, and the architecture of the metro stations themselves to be extremely flashy :)

Jai Mar 6, 2007 6:02 AM
Mumbai Airport redevelopment update
 
Several-month old news, but worth mentioning:

http://img86.imageshack.us/img86/6844/m1mx0.jpg
http://img179.imageshack.us/img179/4026/m2bx1.jpg
http://img291.imageshack.us/img291/2667/m3mo4.jpg

Video walkthrough of the new Airport:
http://img143.imageshack.us/img143/7...rt2cnn2rj0.jpg

http://img50.imageshack.us/img50/634...rt5cnn5ww6.jpg

http://img143.imageshack.us/img143/4...rt6cnn6rv3.jpg

http://img50.imageshack.us/img50/401...rt4cnn4gg1.jpg

http://img88.imageshack.us/img88/441...rt3cnn3he3.jpg

http://img143.imageshack.us/img143/5...rt8cnn8pt2.jpg

http://img88.imageshack.us/img88/202...rt7cnn7rt6.jpg

http://img143.imageshack.us/img143/8...ort1cnnll0.jpg

Jai Mar 9, 2007 5:43 AM
Two bidders for second sealink

Quote:
HT Epaper
07 Mar 2007

Madhurima Nandy
Mumbai

http://img45.imageshack.us/img45/421...09f64ebnf9.jpg

IT WILL be a 14-km bridge over the sea, almost thrice the length of the Bandra-Worli sealink, to take you from Worli to Nariman Point in less than 20 minutes. In a recent development, two parties — Anil Ambani’s Reliance Energy teamed up with South Korean company Hyundai consortium, and Malaysian firm Gamuda — have been shortlisted to develop the Rs 3,551 crore Western Freeway Sealink Project (WFSL) on a build-operate-transfer basis.

The much-delayed project, a crucial extension to the ongoing Bandra-Worli sealink, was supposed to take off by end-2006. The pre-qualification process itself has taken more than seven months.

Speaking to HT, State Public Works Department minister Anil Deshmukh said: “Bidders have now been issued draft bid documents, on the basis of which they will now have to submit technical and financial bids.” Senior Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC) officials said the bidders had been chosen over both national and international bidders like Urbana from the US and Gammon. According to procedure, bidders will be soon issued complete bid documents after which they submit their final bids. Lastly, MSRDC will scrutinise the bids and select one.

REL is currently fighting a case against being thrown out of the pre-qualification process in the Rs 4,000 crore Mumbai Trans-Harbour Link project between Nhava Sheva and Sewri. Gamuda, a top infrastructure and engineering firm in Malaysia has a background of building and operating expressways and highways, tunnels as well as water infrastructure projects and is seriously looking at entering the Indian market in a big way.

madhurima.nandy@hindustantimes.com

BRIDGE BASICS
Route: Worli to Nariman Point
Total length: 16.92 km
Length of main bridge: 14.77 km
Project cost: Rs 3,500 crore
Travel time: Less than 20 mins at 100 km/hr

The sealink will connect to the mainland at Worli Dairy, Haji Ali and Bhulabhai Desai Road
http://img45.imageshack.us/img45/454...dc13ge4.th.jpg

Jai Mar 10, 2007 4:33 PM
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Tata Power/Kalpataru Construction project, Thane
designed by Ong and Ong Architects, Gurgaon

http://img262.imageshack.us/img262/6...757cb3bbr9.jpg
http://img262.imageshack.us/img262/7...757de85oc0.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.

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

http://img293.imageshack.us/img293/2...75e392bff0.jpg

http://img293.imageshack.us/img293/1...75e2aa4jr5.jpg

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architect1 Mar 10, 2007 6:59 PM
Wow theres some amazing thingsing happinging in this city. I love the architecture. The bridge and the air port are amazing. My god I really hope to see some more pics soon.

Jai Mar 11, 2007 10:09 AM
Bandra-Worli Sealink u/c pics
 
I love the airport design too :) It's designed to resemble India's national bird, the peacock


BTW, here are some more Bandra-Worli Sealink u/c pics:

An awesome model of BWSL's span (and Indian actor Amitabh Bachchan)
http://img152.imageshack.us/img152/6...096b121th5.jpg

So how does one exactly build a bridge?
http://img152.imageshack.us/img152/7...8ddb121lm0.jpg

Like this of course!
http://img152.imageshack.us/img152/9...e36b121in2.jpg

Check out that rising skyline :)
http://img152.imageshack.us/img152/3...a9bb122zy1.jpg


Cheers,
Jai

Jai Mar 13, 2007 4:28 AM
Some new projects
 
Firstly,
Rabale to get new station
Quote:
HT Epaper 12 March 07
The Central Railway will soon open the Rabale passenger railway station for public. The station, designed by eminent architect Ratan J. Batliboi, is equipped with state-ofthe art facilities like a subway, huge parking space and polycarbonate station roof. The station is on the ThaneVashi line and will benefit the Thane-Belapur industrial zone.
http://img472.imageshack.us/img472/9...11b295dps9.jpg

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Larger renderings of Sheth Developers projects Grandeur, Ivy, and Polaris
http://img340.imageshack.us/img340/2...2aj4cd6gq5.png

Click below for full size:
http://img329.imageshack.us/img329/1...2aj4cd6.th.png
-------==--=--==-------

Infinity At Malad, IT Park Master Plan
http://img186.imageshack.us/img186/6...112e16fzd7.jpg

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

Jai Mar 15, 2007 2:39 AM
New Dharavi Redevelopment Plan in the works!
 
Dharavi getting crowded with makeover plans
Quote:
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/img138/6...0583944tf6.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/img267/1...465dge6.th.jpg

Jai Mar 15, 2007 2:42 AM
Bandra-Worli Sealink -- To be Extended
 
Worli-Bandra sea link may extend to Gorai
Quote:
MSRDC has invited bids from consultants for a feasibility study

DNA Epaper
14 March 2007

http://img144.imageshack.us/img144/6...0100011aj0.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/img144/8...0101xf4.th.jpg

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Here's a couple progress updates
http://img478.imageshack.us/img478/1...a394a4bft0.jpg

And here is a clip from National Geographic's series, Megacities: Mumbai, focusing on the Bandra-Worli Sealink bridge
• Video Link

I highly recommend checking it out! Contains lots of animations and information on the project


Cheers,
Jai

Jai Mar 17, 2007 8:36 PM
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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excel Mar 17, 2007 8:41 PM
wow cool bridge.

Jai Mar 20, 2007 3:16 AM
Some construction updates
 
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Sahara Star (ex centaur hotel) construction update, from attack of the darkness @ flickr:
http://img247.imageshack.us/img247/5...e42b10beg2.jpg

http://img89.imageshack.us/img89/663...lmumbaiun9.jpg

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Quote:
Originally Posted by Suncity (@ssc)
Orbit Heights - looks like it is very near to Shreepati

http://img401.imageshack.us/img401/2...rch2007hy8.jpg

http://img297.imageshack.us/img297/2...deoroadiq2.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.

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Jai Mar 20, 2007 3:21 AM
Credits also go to Suncity :)

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Firstly Dynamix Group's Orchid Woods, Goregaon (East): this is the rendering from the builder's website:
http://img85.imageshack.us/img85/2562/1qc2.jpg

This is one from a property website. Looks somewhat different -- like no spire, larger podium, better landscaping, etc.:
http://img248.imageshack.us/img248/1...umbuildqr3.jpg

It has a larger podium than the first rendering: 8 storey podium + 48 storey tower + 2-3 storey penthouse. In total 58-59 storeys tall.

Who knows which rendering is the correct one. Personally, I'm going with the top (spired) one, as it appeared on the Developer's website

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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/img409/7...rpotdarkm5.jpg

The website also has some hitherto unseen pics of the landscaping of the project:
http://img169.imageshack.us/img169/6...dsview1bl8.jpg http://img169.imageshack.us/img169/1...dsview2nc8.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 Commerz

http://img267.imageshack.us/img267/3...iew1nl1nr4.jpg

=======

Oberoi Sky Heights, Andheri (West) is looking a lot better than its renderings:
http://img231.imageshack.us/img231/5...ghts4nj6pl.jpg

I see only one tower though?
http://img152.imageshack.us/img152/7...htview2tl7.jpg http://img152.imageshack.us/img152/3...htview4jt2.jpg

=======

While not looking like its 'old' rendering, Oberoi Springs, Andheri (West) also looks different from the 'new' rendering below:
http://img101.imageshack.us/img101/1...2e77726ez0.jpg

This is what they have on their website:
http://img152.imageshack.us/img152/7...gsview1oh0.jpg
http://img152.imageshack.us/img152/5...gsview2sg5.jpg
http://img152.imageshack.us/img152/8...gsview3rg9.jpg

=======

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

http://img237.imageshack.us/img237/3...orview2ry0.jpg

=======

Finally, Oberoi Skyz, Worli, the 60 storey twin tower whose rendering has so far eluded us...

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

Jai Mar 22, 2007 2:48 AM
Reliance to build skyscrapers?
 
This is big news, as Reliance is the company set to create the MahaMumbai SEZ, a planned city that will rival Mumbai and New Mumbai in size, and is planned to have a skyscraper-laden CBD.

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

http://img250.imageshack.us/img250/1...7302263ux9.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/img444/9...ffcchm5.th.jpg

Jai Mar 24, 2007 10:13 PM
Today's HT
http://img139.imageshack.us/img139/5...9fc2f1egr5.jpg

http://img176.imageshack.us/img176/5...1egrtg3.th.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/img399/3...annex32mo6.jpg

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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

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Jai Mar 27, 2007 7:18 PM
$20 Billion DLF + Nakheel real estate venture for Delhi and Mumbai
 
DLF signs deal with UAE developer for $20 billion India venture
Quote:
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.

Jai Apr 8, 2007 10:04 PM
Now, global sport on city turf?
Quote:
07 Apr, HT
Sanjeev Shivadekar
Mumbai

http://img254.imageshack.us/img254/8...12f9936ie5.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/img120/9...12bcrm8.th.jpg

Jai Apr 8, 2007 10:05 PM
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Raj Grandeur, Powai
http://img441.imageshack.us/img441/2...urpowaiif8.jpg[/QUOTE]

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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/img258/1...trinitycv2.jpg

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Ariisto Heaven, Mulund
http://img479.imageshack.us/img479/3...oheavenlx8.jpg

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Here's a poor quality pic showing the layout of RNA @ Central Park, Chembur
http://img409.imageshack.us/img409/4...ralparkmm2.jpg http://img184.imageshack.us/img184/94/0te0.jpg

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Jai Apr 9, 2007 3:01 PM
More and more, builders are getting bolder and more interesting in their designs. Especially the medium-sized developers. Check out these proposals, courtesy one of my friends from Mumbai who subscribes to MPE.

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Project at Goregaon West, 40 stories:
http://img338.imageshack.us/img338/3...988mainhf1.jpg

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Project at Wadala, 42 stories:
http://img85.imageshack.us/img85/692...996mainrt8.jpg

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Project at Worli, 30 stories:
http://img85.imageshack.us/img85/171...994maintl4.jpg

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Project at Goregaon (West), 50 stories:
http://img85.imageshack.us/img85/856...991mainyw3.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 is very unique. I like this trend. :)

-Jai

pramodusnair Apr 9, 2007 3:37 PM
I have only one word to say--mindblowing
Thanks for the pics, Jai.

Jai Apr 13, 2007 10:06 PM
Mumbai tops must-see list
 
Mumbai tops must-see list
Quote:
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/img167/2...ethmed1vk1.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/img264/2...ichmed1we3.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.

Jai Apr 14, 2007 3:36 AM
Quote:
Originally Posted by pramodusnair (Post 2753611)
I have only one word to say--mindblowing
Thanks for the pics, Jai.
No prob man :) Thanks for the reply -- it was feeling mightly lonely in this thread! :)


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

http://img90.imageshack.us/img90/494...cinocrajy5.jpg

(Ignore the Michael Chiklis looking guy) ;)
http://img479.imageshack.us/img479/2...68ao467zv3.jpg

http://img50.imageshack.us/img50/249...0e0o6e2du6.jpg



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

Jai Apr 18, 2007 4:57 AM
Mumbai's skyscrapers add to civic woes
Anjali Doshi
Wednesday, February 7, 2007 (Mumbai):

Promoted by Vikas Kasliwal of Shree Ram Mills, Palais Royale is all set to be one of Mumbai's tallest and most luxurious skyscrapers.

The 700-feet high building, to be ready in 2009, boasts of indoor heated swimming pools, ample parking space and world-class fire safety norms.[/QUOTE]
Here is the link to the video report of this story. It has a quick peek at both the construction site (construction seems to be underway) as well as a quck pan on the elevation.

http://img261.imageshack.us/img261/5222/10702907yp7.jpg

http://img292.imageshack.us/img292/8545/94712125wc9.jpg

It took some time to splice the screencaps together. I think it is in correct proportion.
http://img264.imageshack.us/img264/6827/93199294df2.jpg

Vikas Kasliwal of Shree Ram Mills also said this in the video report:
Quote:
"It doesn't have too many stories, but since each storey has a very good height we've gone to very good heights. It will probably end up being a fairly tall building. We're not aiming to be the tallest building, but I think we may just end up being one of the tallest."
The newsreader also said:
Quote:
But the title city's tallest is hotly contested. In the next two years three projects will vie for that honor.

http://img261.imageshack.us/img261/1782/95029595os3.jpg
However, they forgot to mention Oberoi Skyz in the contest, which isn't surprising, seeing as Oberoi Construction seems to be trying to draw as little attention to it as possible.

I can't find the builder, architect or promoter's website. Seeing as this is going to be an 'invitation only' project, just like also u/c Oberoi Skyz, and Reliance Tower, we're probably not going to see any good quality renderings outside brief newsclips until its nearly finished. :(


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Jai Apr 18, 2007 5:30 AM
Corporate head honchos, industrial bigwigs race to build paradise buildings
 
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.gifAnyone 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/img164/7...road5id5fd.jpg
Corporate head honchos, industrial bigwigs race to build paradise buildings
Quote:
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/img146/9...wers3edej1.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 planned by the Vikas Kasliwal of Shree Ram Mills posted above. This 700ft/213m building, because it has a higher floor height, only boasts ~ 50 stories as well.


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

Cheers,
Jai

Jai Apr 23, 2007 3:16 AM
Mukesh's new home is a Rs 400-cr hanging garden
 
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
• The top four floors are to be the Ambanis'. The rest will be residential
• The architect is US-based Perkins & Will. 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/img443/4...e50c58dkh9.jpg
• 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
Quote:
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.

Jai Apr 23, 2007 3:17 AM
Dharavi makeover now a model for the world
Quote:
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.
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Meanwhile, the rising Worli skyline. Check out the progress on Beaumonde!!

by mailophobia @ webshots:

http://img245.imageshack.us/img245/3...d38o6f8kx8.jpg

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Jai Apr 24, 2007 6:27 AM
Some new projects
 
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Mantri Group Project, Bhandup, Mumbai
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Project by Kalpataru Construction, Kandivali, Mumbai
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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:
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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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Jai Apr 26, 2007 7:37 AM
Someting waaaaaay overdue. Good on 'em.

Construction a drain on resources
Quote:
DNA Epaper 24 Apr

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

Smita Deshmukh

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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).

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Jai Apr 26, 2007 7:44 AM
Hanging sealink seeks Centre aid
Quote:
DNA Epaper 22 Apr

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

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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.

Jai Apr 27, 2007 5:24 AM
Dharavi makeover gets going
 
Dharavi makeover gets going
Quote:
DNA Epaper 6 April

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

Smita Deshmukh

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

Jai Apr 30, 2007 5:10 AM
Bollywood to get Hollywood Studio type Theme Park
 
I predict that this will do wonders for tourism in Mumbai :cheers:

India's Bollywood Is Getting A Theme Park
Quote:
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

Jai Apr 30, 2007 5:11 AM
Entire of Mumbai Metro do be built in 5 years -- 10 years behind schedule? Looks like
 
MMRDA has a plan to speed up Metro
Quote:
“ 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.
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Jai Apr 30, 2007 5:12 AM
City gets world-class public loo
 
A long needed and major step on the road to modernization and development.

City gets world-class public loo
Quote:
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.
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Jai May 1, 2007 6:11 AM
And another welcome development

SLUMBAY WATCH
Quote:
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.

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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.

Jai May 1, 2007 6:16 AM
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. First read the article and check out my comments below the article that follows.


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Govt shortlists 3 sites for financial hub
Quote:
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.

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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/72 storeys in height

• It will be is located on the 11.96-acre India United Mill No. 6 at Pravhadevi.

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

• NTC has officially confirmed 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 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:
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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) 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)


Cheers,
Jai

Jai May 9, 2007 4:53 AM
New Commercial Supertall: Mumbai International Financial Center
 
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. <<<


Govt shortlists 3 sites for financial hub
Quote:
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.

Jai May 9, 2007 4:53 AM
This is a cool picture. From today's TOI
http://img487.imageshack.us/img487/7...024f7edcg5.jpg
Quote:
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.

Jai May 9, 2007 4:55 AM
http://img101.imageshack.us/img101/3409/81747062uy1.jpg

With official word of this project just announced last week, the 85-storey Hyatt Park Tower, India's tallest under construction building officially broke ground.

Designed by Fox and Fowle (FXFOWLE) architects as part of three-hotel luxury project being developed by Neelkamal Realtors in conjunction with Hyatt hotels, Hyatt Park tower is located at Marine Lines, Mumbai, just north of the city's historical district. It marks the southernmost point of a major region of skyscraper development that currently stretches north to under construction Parel/Back Bay skyline.

A mixed-used development totalling 882,000 sq ft, Hyatt Park tower, in the architects' own words:
Quote:
...centers on creating an iconic residential mixed-use building within India's emerging new economy.

The 85-storey tower is informed by distinctive indoor/outdoor environments and the desire to optimise the panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.

The tower's 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.
Emails to the architect (thanks spyguy) reveals that the tower is currently under construction and will have a height of 301m. Whether this is roof height is not yet clear.

While currently rather seperated from the current skyscraper construction, it is located at the southern end of what will be a massive skyscraper-laden redevelopment region that will see a long skyline anchored in the north at Dharavi, west at Worli, in the middle at Parel, and in the south at Back Bay.

Though developers in Mumbai tend to be ultra-secretive about their projects until they have broken ground (it wasn't even known that this project even existed until a couple days ago when the Hyatt told the Economic Times newspaper about it), other developers have made known that they are planning skyscrapers at Marine Lines. Currently a 50-storey commercial skyscraper, and 2-3 other projects, including the possible supertall Mumbai International Finance Centre, are planned around the location where Park Hyatt tower is being built.


Here are some more renderings. I will update this first post as more renderings and information come out.
http://img168.imageshack.us/img168/8025/01bo2.jpg

http://img168.imageshack.us/img168/2546/02vl8.jpg
^ Looking South towards Historic mumbai. Looking North will be a view of the under construction skyline around Parel

http://img518.imageshack.us/img518/2540/03vm2.jpg

http://img168.imageshack.us/img168/1498/04rp0.jpg

http://img518.imageshack.us/img518/9159/05ou0.jpg

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

Arihant Aradhana, Khargar:
http://img185.imageshack.us/img185/1...ana1bigzn2.jpg

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

Arihant Darpan, Mulund:
http://img186.imageshack.us/img186/9...rpanbigol5.jpg

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

BTW, here is Shankala Group's Sterling Tower, Magazon: 34-35 stories

http://img377.imageshack.us/img377/2275/12jo.jpg

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

G Square Business Park, Vashi: looks to be ~34 stories
http://img300.imageshack.us/img300/917/image4ku0.jpg

Jai May 9, 2007 4:56 AM
Paying tribute - A new landmark in BKC
 
Paying tribute - A new landmark in BKC

Quote:
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/img183/3...0301hg2.th.jpg


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