BANDRA

Earlier, in the 16th & 17th century Bandra -now 'Queen Of The Suburbs', was known by
various names; as 'Bandor', 'Bandora', 'Bandera', 'Bandara', and in Marathi documents, as
'Vandre'
Mount Mary is one of the most loved landmark of Bandra. Originally the first Oratory was
built in 1640 on the Bandra Hill, to serve the garrison, posted at Castella de Aguada - the
fort at Land's End. The present edifice of Mount Mary Church was built in 1904. On the
occasion of its golden jubilee in 1954, which was also the Marian Year, Pope Pius raised it to
the status of a Minor Basilica. 2004 was the centenary year of the present structure.
Through the years, it has became famous as a place of pilgrimage for Christians and non-
Christians alike.
The Bandra Fair is an annual event every September - a week when Bandra is centre-stage
to Mumbai and Bandraites play 'host' to their family and friends living elsewhere. This is 'the
time' for family & friends from neighbouring areas out of Bandra to bond over a (high-
spirited) drink followed by a home-cooked meal. The conversation gradually gets animated
with topics that may range from 'pickle to politics'.
Stalls of sweets, games and entertainment attract crowds from surrounding areas. This
creates a festive atmosphere from Mount Mary steps to Mt. Carmel's Church Grounds. Here
the gaint wheel, sea-on-land and other game stalls are patronised by eager kids, teenagers
& other age groups. This week everyone is a kid or a kid at heart. Music makes the mood
merry. Everybody seems to be on their own trip till they finally go home.

ln many ways Bandra today is quite unlike other places of Mumbai. It cannot be easily
'typed' as it does not have a fixed identity like Parel, Dadar, Malabar Hill or Colaba. It is
rather a place with many faces, moods and manners. It has the rare distinction of being a
home to the old rich, the new rich, the poor and the middle class. From quaint, crumbling
villages with narrow streets the ways leads to seaside promenades with skyscrapers and
lofty mansions; or shady avenues with snug old cottages gallantly fighting off the invasion
of apartment blocks.
In certain areas, you can see a sudden switch in surrounding scenes within a few blocks on
the same road - with ambiences changing, as if taking you to another time in history. Yet,
everyone stays in social harmony, cleverly adapting to their neighbouring area.

Today, generation X finds it hard even to visualize the Bandra that was. It has succumbed
to the demon called progress. It is a 'world' within a city. One of the most 'hep 'happening'
place to be in, it can boast of auditoriums, multiplex theatres, malls, super markets, 5 star
hotels, great jogging tracks, scenic promenades, etc. Internet density is among the highest
in the city. The Bandra Kurla Complex is the new business hub of the city and its proximity
has further enhanced the already high property value of Bandra.
The unique cosmopolitan nature of Bandra offers a superb cross-pollination of cultures and
religions that exist in harmony, resulting in creating an ideal atmosphere for creativity -
making it the ideal setting for writers, poets, journalists, actors, models, TV. stars, fashion
designers, musicians, etc.That 'family feeling' is still strong. Even today, Bandraites will tell
you that it is like living in one big extended family with hospitality extended to one and all.
Bonding in Bandra is part of the local social culture, that goes beyond other issues.
The Bandra Gymkhana is still the centre of cultural activities, with annual events putting
people into the 'spirit' of camaraderie. With better facilities and ambience being offered
now, its a great place to hang around with family & friends. Its later day counterparts, the
Otter's Club, Bay View Club & M.I.G. Club are also good places to relax & rejevunate,
entertain colleagues or just chill out.
It is rightly said: You can take a Bandraite out of Bandra, but you cannot take Bandra out of
a Bandraite or ex-Bandraite. Staying here even for a short while, makes you want to return
again - even plan to settle down here. Some sort of magnetism, that's inexplainable !
Today, the fast growing NRI & foreigners population is ample proof that this suburb is
accepted as being the best that money can buy.
As any Bandraite will tell you, residing in Bandra is 'an experience of sights, sounds and
smells', very unique to this suburb. In Bandra you can readily buy a refrigerator or a T. V.
set in a fashionable shopping centre bright with lights, traffic and tinsel - or look for fresh
prawns in a small fishing village - loud with noise, the smell of fish and the wash and whip
of the sea.
Enterprising people are seen everywhere and the vibrancy of life has to be seen to be
believed. Bazaars are meeting points where matrimonial matches are initiated - only to be
discussed & fixed at the next home party. At Linking Road & Hill Road, every evening
crowds shop as if there were no tomorrow - shop 'n' shop till you drop.
To satisfy your culinary tastes, Bandra boasts of some of the best multi-cuisine restaurants
at different locations - both pure veg. & non-veg. There is a new food outlet opening and
closing down every other month. Competition is fierce. Which is why Bandraites have the
best choice when it comes to ordering food. Most offer 'Free Home Delivery', which is just a
phone call away !
This co-existence of seeming contradictions is an uncanny resonance of what Bandra is all
about. Viva la Bandra !
- Merck N. D'Silva

SEALINK
Designed by Sheshadri Srinivasan, 77 year old Bridge Design Engineer.
* Estimated savings in fuel and Vehicle Operating Costs (VOC): Rs. 100 Crores per annum (1999yr.Base)
* Considerable savings in travel time (20 to 30 minutes) due to increased speed and reduced delays (23
signals avoided)
* Stress free driving
* Reduced accidents
* Reduction in traffic on existing roads because of traffic diversion to the Sea Link
* Reduction in Carbon Monoxide and Nitrogen Oxide Levels in Mahim, Dadar, Prabhadevi and Worli
along existing roads
* Reduced noise pollution in Mahim, Dadar, Prabhadevi and Worli along existing roads
No adverse effect on fisheries, marine life and livelihood of fisherman
The Scenario Till date
Distance: 7.7 km
Traffic Signals: 23
Morning Pick hour travel: 35 min
Evening Pick hour travel: 38 min
Average speed: 13 kmph
The Scenario with the sea link
Distance: 4.70 km
Traffic Signals: 4
Morning Pick hour travel: 6 min
Evening Pick hour travel: 6 min
Average speed: 80 kmph

Official Name Rajiv Gandhi Setu
Carries 8 Lanes of traffic
Locale Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
Owner : Maharashtra State Road
Development
Corporation(MSRDC)
Crosses Mahim Bay
Design Cable Stayed Main Spans,
Concrete -Steel precast Segment
Viaducts at either End
Total length 5.6 Km(3.5 miles)
Width 2*20 meters(66ft)
Highest Point 126 meters(413 ft)
Longest Span 2*250 meters(820 ft)
Construction Begin 2000
Construction End 24 march,2010
Opened 30 June, 2009