Eye on full occupancy, MMRDA plans big for BKC

250-metre underpass from BKC main road to G block to be constructed.

Preparing for full occupancy in 10 years, MMRDA has planned a number of initiatives to boost infrastructure in the business district of Bandra-Kurla Complex (BKC), the latest being a vehicular underpass.

It will be a 250-metre stretch from BKC main road to G Block near Bharat Diamond Bourse.

MMRDA has also decided to widen the approach road near MIG Club, build an elevated road to Eastern Express Highway, add parking lots and increase electrical infrastructure.

"We have 160 hectares of built-up area left in BKC, which we will auction in due course. In the next 10 years, BKC will be almost complete in terms of auctions and we must prepare ourselves for this," said Rahul Asthana, metropolitan commissioner at MMRDA.

"Connectivity to BKC is important. Otherwise, land value will go down," he said, adding that the investment required could not be quantified as feasibility studies for many of these initiatives were still to be conducted.

According to MMRDA estimates, BKC will house offices for close to 2 lakh employees and an equal number of people will visit these offices daily.

"Reliance Convention Centre will also come up near the diamond bourse and the number of people going to G block will multiply. Even now, there is congestion at the right turn near G block," Asthana said.

MMRDA is also planning to conduct a feasibility study for an elevated road from E block to Eastern Express Highway near Somaiya Ground.

The proposal for the 1.6-km road was dropped three years ago when Ratnakar Gaikwad was the metropolitan commissioner.

"The previous plan was too complex involving double layers and considerable land acquisition. We will simplify it. We also want to ensure the elevated road is aligned properly so that people don't start using BKC as a transit," Asthana said.

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