Locality Review of Byculla, Mumbai

Once dominated by cotton textile mills, Byculla is a culturally rich neighbourhood for the affluent communities. Today, it is considered one of the fastest emerging residential hotspots in South Mumbai. Infrastructure Index: Byculla is one of the oldest developed parts and caters to the upper-middle and middle class. Many premium housing complexes have come up in the area recently, thus attracting businessmen to choose this locality. However, despite all the development, it has still retained its cultural charm and value. Having a home in Byculla is considered a status symbol. Situated along the Eastern Express Highway, it is surrounded by Parel Chinchkpoli, Mazgaon, Sewari, Nagpara, Agripara and Madanpura. Some of the oldest well-known schools, colleges and hospitals are located here. Some important hospitals include Breach Candy, Wockhardt and Dr Baba Saheb Ambedkar Memorial Hospital. Also, the famous high street, Phoenix Palladium, Millennium Mall and the prominent Md Ali Road are just 3 km away. Byculla is also well connected to industrial estates and business centres. The commercial centres of Nariman Point, Cuffe Parade and Colaba, are about 7-9 km away. The locality hosts 150 years old Rani Bagh Botanical Garden, popularly known as Byculla Zoo. It also houses Mumbai’s first museum, Dr Bhau Daji Lad. However, Byculla’s best-preserved heritage includes the railway station, which is also India’s oldest surviving railway station. Connectivity Index: Byculla is well connected to different parts of Mumbai. It enjoys road and rail connectivity. It is strategically located between Harbour Line and South Mumbai. Dr BA Road is the arterial road that connects the area to Eastern Express Highway. JJ Flyover starts from Byculla and exits near CSMT Railway Station, cutting the traffic on the Mohammad Ali Road. Lalbaug – Byculla Flyover connects to the northern and central parts of the city. The locality also offers excellent bus connectivity; most of the buses running to and fro in South Mumbai have a bus stop in or near Byculla. Additionally, the Byculla railway station is the preferred medium of connectivity. Mahalakshmi Railway Station (Western line) is 1 km away, and Reay Road Station (Harbour Line) is 3 km away. The upcoming Metro line 3 (Colaba-Bandra-SEEPz) is expected to bring metro connectivity to the region. Development Index: According to Magicbricks data, about 85% of properties in Byculla are multistorey apartments, and 2 BHK is the most common room configuration. Civic Index: Byculla has good water and electricity supply. However, slums, unhygienic conditions, several dilapidated structures and many illegal constructions in this area have kept the civic authorities on their toes. Apart from this, drainage and sewage systems also need attention. During monsoon, heavy waterlogging is witnessed.