07 May,2025 08:15 AM IST | Mumbai | Sameer Surve
One of the 11 existing chowkies on the stretch in Fort, which will be torn down. Pic/Shadab Khan
The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has devised a renovation plan for Mahatma Gandhi Road, on which Fashion Street is located, at Fort in South Mumbai. The project includes restoring the footpath, installing street lights and replacing 11 chowkies of various civic departments, as well as the traffic police and Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST), with new structures.
As part of its endeavour to renovate the heritage areas of Fort and Colaba, the BMC decided to demolish existing chowkies and construct ones that are more in tune with the historical structures that dot MG Road. "We have prepared tentative sketches for the proposed chowkies. The final designs will be prepared by the contractor, who is yet to be appointed," said a BMC official involved with the project.
Tentative visualisations of the structures that will replace the existing chowkies on MG Road. PIC/BY SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT
The contractor will be required to engage consultants to conceptualise, carry out detailed architectural and landscape planning. "The BMC's A ward and project management consultants appointed by the civic body will approve the designs," the official added. Also, new light poles that have a âheritage look' will be fixed on the stretch, and damaged footpaths will be repaired by the contractor.
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The project cost, which depends on the designs, has not yet been decided. The work is expected to be completed in nine months, excluding the monsoon season, after the work order is issued to the appointed contractor. Additional Municipal Commissioner Ashwini Bhide, who holds charge over Fort, told mid-day, "Yes, we have decided to revamp the chowkies. The revamp of Fashion Street shops is also being planned. We are in the process of getting consent from licensed sellers."
Mooted in 2023, the transformation of Fashion Street involves setting up a well-organised hawkers' plaza. There are more than 380 licensed stalls on this stretch. Those operating them will be allotted similarly designed kiosks to create uniformity. "Before starting this project, we decided to ensure that all road and footpaths approaching Fashion Street are beautified. The chowkie revamp is part of this effort," an official stated.
