After resisting development for decades, Kalbadevi is changing slowly and steadily

It's impossible to miss the constant ring of bicycle bells while exploring the congested lanes and by-lanes of Kalbadevi. The remarkable frequency of bicycle riders going past the pedestrians has nothing to do with the eco-consciousness of its residents; it’s more to do with their necessity. In this century-old residential area, buildings exist cheek-by-jowl. Space is scarce and traffic jams are the norm. So, the fastest mode of travelling is a bicycle.

The traffic problem has remained unchanged here, just like the old neighbourhood. The area enjoys the honour of being a part of South Mumbai while its proximity to three railway stations—Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus, Masjid Bunder and Marine Lines—can be called its crowning glory. The neighbouring markets, most of which are wholesale ones, add to its charm. Apart from the stainless steel market, Sutar Chawl, Zaveri Bazar and Mangaldas Market draw crowds all round the year.

The reason behind its unchanged landscape happens to be one of the biggest woes of this area, where the temple of Mumbadevi, the city’s presiding deity, is located. Most of the houses in this area are 50-60 years old and riddled by one of the city’s oldest problems—the tenant-landlord dispute. That’s why the area is untouched by the real estate boom. As a result, traffic congestion, garbage problems and water scarcity have cropped up in the locality.

“All these problems will be taken care of if the cluster development plans are implemented successfully. It would be a real boon for the area,” says Janak Sanghvi, Municipal Councillor and a member of BMC Improvement

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