In the heart of South Mumbai, Bhendi Bazaar is witnessing a rebirth. Once known for its crumbling buildings, narrow lanes, and congested chawls, the area is now emerging as a model for urban renewal, one that places children and families at its centre.
For decades, families here lived in tiny 100-square-foot rooms, often shared by multiple generations. Common toilets, poor ventilation, and little access to sunlight defined everyday life. For the youngest residents, playtime meant dodging traffic in narrow alleys or finding space between parked vehicles. The Bhendi Bazaar Redevelopment Project is rewriting that story.
Led by the Saifee Burhani Upliftment Trust (SBUT), the project is transforming more than 16.5 acres of one of Mumbai’s most densely populated areas into a modern, sustainable, and inclusive urban space. But beyond the statistics and construction cranes, what truly stands out is the way the redevelopment is changing childhoods, turning a once-struggling neighbourhood into a safe, healthy, and hopeful community.
A Fresh Start in Modern Homes
Families who once lived in one-room tenements are now moving into new homes that are nearly four times larger. Each family receives a minimum of 375 square feet of space, equipped with private bathrooms, proper ventilation, and abundant natural light.
These upgrades may sound simple, but for children, they mark a profound change. A child who once studied under a flickering bulb in a damp room can now read by sunlight. Another who once shared a single toilet with dozens of neighbours now grows up in a hygienic, private environment. For parents, the change brings relief and dignity; for children, it brings freedom.
Space to Play, Room to Grow
One of the defining features of the new Bhendi Bazaar is the introduction of open, child-friendly spaces, something the old neighbourhood never had. Each residential building now includes podium-level recreation zones with gardens, seating areas, and dedicated play areas for children.
Around 700 trees and shrubs have been planted across the project, infusing a touch of green into the once grey, concrete-heavy landscape. For families who had to keep their doors shut against dust and traffic noise, these green spaces are more than aesthetic, they are a sign of a healthier, breathable future.
These design changes also encourage community interaction. Parents gather on benches while children play nearby, reviving the social fabric that once held the old neighbourhood together, but in a safer, more organized form.
Safer Streets, Happier Walks
Perhaps the most visible transformation is happening at street level. The narrow, congested lanes that once defined Bhendi Bazaar are being widened from 7 to 18 meters. These new roads include proper footpaths, designated pedestrian zones, and better lighting, creating a safer environment for children walking to school or playing outside.
The area’s signature mix of residential, commercial, and cultural spaces remains intact, but with smarter design. Shops are positioned along walkable corridors, while open spaces and public areas are now integrated into the urban plan. By improving mobility and safety, the redevelopment allows children to explore their neighbourhood confidently, a luxury that was once unimaginable.
Building an Inclusive Urban Future
The Bhendi Bazaar Redevelopment Project is more than an infrastructure overhaul, it’s an experiment in rethinking how cities treat their youngest residents. By prioritizing safety, hygiene, and play, it challenges the notion that densely populated areas must sacrifice liveability for affordability.
It’s also an example of how heritage and progress can coexist. While old structures give way to modern buildings, the soul of Bhendi Bazaar, its vibrant community life, diverse businesses, and cultural heritage remains a guiding force in the redesign.
Experts see this transformation as a blueprint for other congested neighbourhoods across India. As cities like Mumbai, Delhi, and Kolkata struggle with the dual challenges of population density and housing decay, Bhendi Bazaar offers lessons in human-centric urban planning.
Childhoods Restored
For the children growing up amid this transformation, the change is both physical and emotional. They can now play in safe courtyards, breathe cleaner air, and walk to school without fear of speeding traffic. What was once a maze of decaying buildings and dark alleys is becoming a living, breathing example of what redevelopment can achieve when people, not just property are the focus.
This Children’s Day, the new Bhendi Bazaar stands as a reminder that city-building isn’t only about concrete and steel, it’s about creating spaces that let childhoods flourish. From narrow lanes to open play zones, from crumbling walls to soaring homes, the story of Bhendi Bazaar is one of renewal, resilience, and rediscovered hope.
