Mumbai's BKC to Get Affordable Food Court Soon : MMRDA

The Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC), renowned for its high-end restaurants, is set to offer affordable dining options as the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) initiates the development of an urban plaza with a food court in this prominent business district.

Recognizing the challenges faced by visitors to BKC, including the lack of affordable food options and commuting difficulties, the MMRDA aims to address these concerns. The upcoming food court will be located in GN-Block and aims to provide a blend of affordability and quality. Tenders for the project have been invited, with the opening scheduled for the first week of June, as confirmed by an MMRDA official.

GN-Block is home to upscale restaurants and prominent corporate offices. With a daily footfall of approximately two to two and a half lakh people attending offices and an additional two lakh visitors traveling to BKC for work, the demand for affordable dining options in the area has become imperative. Moreover, the recent opening of Jio World Centre and the Nita Mukesh Ambani Cultural Art Centre (NMACC) has resulted in an increased number of events, leading to higher footfall even beyond regular office hours.

Also Check: the Best Food Options at JIO World Drive in Mumbai's BKC

In parallel, the MMRDA is also focusing on improving last mile connectivity within BKC through the revival of a bicycle sharing scheme. This scheme aims to connect the main road to commercial offices and multinational corporations (MNCs) located in the arterial lanes of BKC. By partially resolving the last mile connectivity issue, this initiative intends to enhance the overall transportation experience for commuters.

BKC already has 30 kilometers of cycle tracks; however, over time, these dedicated lanes have been encroached upon by auto-rickshaws and other four-wheeler vehicles, which occupy the segregated bicycle lanes for parking. The bollards separating these lanes have been uprooted, further aggravating the situation. The revitalization of the bicycle sharing scheme will not only reclaim these cycle tracks but also promote eco-friendly commuting options within BKC.

With the Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST) serving approximately 74,000 passengers on a daily average through their buses at BKC, there has been a significant increase in ridership over the years. To complement this, the BEST operates 13 different bus routes between BKC, Kurla, and Bandra stations. However, many commuters still rely on share auto-rickshaws from Bandra and Kurla railway stations, often facing issues such as unruly behavior, overcharging, and disregard for traffic rules.

By developing an affordable food court and reintroducing a bicycle sharing scheme, the MMRDA aims to address the pressing needs of BKC's visitors and office-goers. These initiatives will not only enhance accessibility but also promote a more sustainable and convenient transportation system in one of Mumbai's busiest business districts.