Why redevelop only Shivaji Park?

While the recent announcement by the government to strip the 'heritage' tag of Shivaji Park makes room for its redevelopment, the decision has made several people wonder, "Why not Churchgate too?" After all, Churchgate is not a declared heritage area; it's only a proposed heritage area. Then why not allow Churchgate to redevelop as well?

Most buildings in Churchgate are more than 70-75 years old. The roads are chock-a-block with traffic issues. Almost every building is spending lakhs of rupees every four to five years for carrying out major repairs. Every time the plastering is done, a certain amount of brick work gets shaved off. So all you are left with are wafer-thin bricks coated with weak plaster and paint. Most lifts in the area are crumbling; the staircases have blunt edges. None of these buildings are really resistant to earthquakes, as the builders never took into account earthquakes when they were erected these buildings 70-75 years back.

Redevelopment is a win-win situation for the government and for the people. The government merely gives permission and receives extra taxes on higher valuations and more developed areas. The residents get better and safer amenities, parking issues get sorted out and the dream to convert Mumbai into a 'Shanghai' gets a boost. Churchgate being a rail terminus is used daily by a large population so modern developments will have a 'showcase' effect for many to see and emulate.


The time for redevelopment is now because if the decision is delayed further, then the buildings will become much older. Will it not take five to ten years for housing societies to rethink, plan and implement redevelopment? The process should begin now so that the transformation of the area will happen when the area becomes almost 100 years old. Let's not miss the bus and let's not wait for an earthquake to wake us up!