Wadala: The Futuristic Smart City

Authored by Samyak Jain, Director, Siddha Group Earlier Wadala was a major commercial destination where factories and mills were set up. In the past 10 years, Wadala has witnessed rising real estate rates owing to better infrastructure, road connectivity, railways routes, and monorail. Wadala now possesses many gated communities, commercial spaces and luxury apartments. In the face of Wadala’s imminent rise, many homebuyers from MMR have been attracted to this new destination ever since MMRDA announced its plans for the centrally located Suburb. Located between South Mumbai and the suburbs, this micro market will be the third central business district after Nariman Point and Bandra Kurla Complex. MMRDA will be heading this transformation into a mixed-use CBD with over 4 million square meters of offices, apartments, and civic facilities. This mixed-use development project is making Wadala a coveted working place and bringing in the concept of walk to work. This plan will not just increase the employment opportunities but also give a boost to retail and hospitality sectors along with the formation of public open spaces. Logistically, Wadala which is billed to become the transportation hub has the most efficient connectivity when it comes to public transportation, be it trains, buses, monorail or the upcoming metro along with its proximity to the Eastern Freeway. Wadala being centrally located between South Mumbai and the Suburbs benefits from its connectivity. To further boost the connectivity significantly MMRDA had proposed to scrap the truck terminal to develop an Inter-State Bus Terminus and is expecting to begin the trial runs for Metro line 4 by December 2021 which will connect Wadala to Kasarvadavali (Ghodbunder, Thane) Via Ghatkopar and Mulund. The primary requirement which drives business and creates jobs stems from good network of transportation. The elevated road connector from BKC to Eastern Express Highway is aimed to provide an aid to the daily commuters a direct connectivity. This will help to reduce traveling time between the two major CBDs. The Eastern Freeway has also helped in minimizing the travel time between Nariman Point and Wadala. Apart from the magnificent and impressive infrastructure, Wadala is a abode to some of the well-known education institutions such as the Veermata Jijabai Technological Institute (VJTI), which is one of the oldest Engineering colleges in Asia; the Auxilium Convent High School; Vidyalankar Institute of Technology (VIT); Khalsa College ; The University Institute of Chemical Technology and South India Welfare Society (S.I.W.S). Known junior college campuses like Dr. Ambedkar Commerce and Law College, SNDT Women's University, Shri Bansidhar Aggarwal Model School and Junior Collegeare also situated here. Also, Wadala has some renowned hospitals such as Indian Cancer Society, Group of Tuberculosis Hospitals, MbPT Hospital, Acworth Municipal Hospital for Leprosy and many more. Wadala region is an ideal place for home buyers as it has many recreational and entertainment spaces like sports clubs, theaters, shopping malls etc. It is home to the former largest dome theater in the world, IMAX ADLABS dome which is now Carnival IMAX. A number of churches, temples and shrines are also situated nearby including Ram Mandir which was built in the 15th century known for its Ganesh Utsav and Ram Navami celebrations. Addition to all these amenities, Wadala is renowned for Flamingo spotting, approximately 2 kms from Wadala station where large flocks of flamingos fly in during their breeding season. In the last decade, it has been observed that Wadala has emerged as an upcoming residential market from being an industrial zone owing to its rapid development in terms of both civic and social infrastructure, connectivity, and residential market. The urbanization of Wadala is well balanced with the ample number of green spaces that bring a sense of serenity in the hectic city life. Gardens like Mancherji Joshi Five Gardens, Karve Garden, and Bhakti Park Garden create a sense of community and helps in creating social ties with the Wadala residents. These factors have brought Wadala on the list of upcoming and desirable places in Mumbai.