SBUT begins Bhendi Bazaar re-development project

MUMBAI, December 30: Saifee Burhani Upliftment Trust (SBUT), the implementing agency for the Rs 4,000 crore Bhendi Bazaar redevelopment project in south Mumbai today said construction on sub-clusters 1 and 3 has started and work on others will start soon in phases. The project is a brainchild of the late Dr Syedna Mohammed Burhanuddin, the 52nd Dai Al-Mutlaq of the Dawoodi Bohra community, and is now being carried forward by his son Syedna Mufaddal Saifuddin. "As per the desire of His Holiness, construction on sub-clusters 1 and 3 has started after we received all the necessary permissions and approvals for it. Work on other sub-clusters too will start soon in phases. Currently, more than 70 dilapidated buildings have been demolished and over 1700 families and 400 businesses have been vacated from Bhendi Bazaar," CEO of SBUT, Abbas Master, said. The redevelopment project has been praised by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the past and has also received the personal attention of Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, who had recently assured his complete support to it. The ambitious project covering 16.5 acres of land has more than 250 decrepit buildings which houses 3,200 families and 1,250 shops and all of these will be incorporated into a state-of-the-art sustainable development plan with 17 new buildings, wide roads, modern infrastructure, more open spaces and highly visible commercial areas. The creation of new infrastructure and availability of technology at their disposal will infuse growth and open new avenues for the businesses in the area, according to SBUT. Addressing a gathering of community members recently, Saifuddin said the construction work on sub-clusters 1 and 3 along with other sub-clusters should be fast-tracked to ensure that the families and businesses are rehoused and rehabilitated timely. He had also expressed his desire that the project provides a holistic environment that leads to growth and open-mindedness besides being favourable towards health and well-being of the people in spiritual, intellectual, social and financial aspects. - PTI