BMC Appoints New Contractor for Shirodkar Market Project

Major Redevelopment Project in Parel Back on Track After Years of Delay

Mumbai: The long-delayed redevelopment of Dr. Shirodkar Market in Mumbai's Parel area is finally moving forward again. The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has appointed a new contractor to complete the ambitious ₹298 crore (approximately $35 million) redevelopment after the original contractor stopped work following the COVID-19 pandemic.

The upgraded project aims to transform the aging municipal market into a modern commercial and civic complex with advanced facilities, high-rise towers, multi-level parking, and improved public infrastructure.

New Contractor Selected Through Fresh Tender Process

The redevelopment project was originally launched nearly ten years ago but came to a standstill when the previous contractor abandoned construction during the pandemic. The contractor later requested a 30% increase in the contract amount due to rising costs. However, the BMC approved only a 10% revision, leading to the cancellation of the contract and the launch of a new bidding process.

Three companies participated in the fresh tender, and M/s Kunal-Hirani Joint Venture (JV) was selected as the lowest qualified bidder. The proposal received approval from the BMC Standing Committee, allowing work to restart.

Modern Market to Feature High-Rise Towers and Smart Infrastructure

According to civic officials, the previous contractor had completed only the six-story building before construction stopped.

Under the revised redevelopment plan, the remaining work includes:

• Completion and expansion of the existing six-story structure
• Construction of a new 21-story tower
• Construction of a 48-story tower
• A modern municipal market with upgraded shopping facilities
• Multi-level parking for visitors and traders
• Staff housing and rehabilitation units
• Sewage treatment plant (STP)
• Rainwater harvesting system
• Underground water storage tanks
• CCTV surveillance
• Integrated Building Management System (IBMS)
• Advanced fire safety systems
• Elevators and power backup facilities

The redevelopment is expected to significantly improve both public convenience and municipal infrastructure in the busy Parel neighborhood.

Corporators Ask for More Project Details

During the Standing Committee meeting, several corporators requested additional information about the redevelopment.

MNS leader Yashwant Killedar sought details regarding the 43,458-square-meter project, including the number of staff quarters and rehabilitation units planned.

Shiv Sena (UBT) corporator Yashodhar Phanse requested a detailed project presentation, pointing out that many fisherwomen from Versova currently conduct business at the market and could be affected during redevelopment.

Meanwhile, BJP corporator Tejinder Singh Tiwana asked the civic administration to verify the financial capability of one of the joint venture partners to ensure the project is completed without further delays.

BMC Aims to Modernize Municipal Markets Across Mumbai

The BMC currently manages 92 municipal markets across Mumbai. The redevelopment of Dr. Shirodkar Market is part of the city's broader effort to modernize aging public markets with improved safety, better parking facilities, modern technology, and sustainable infrastructure.

Once completed, the project is expected to provide traders and visitors with a safer, more efficient, and technologically advanced marketplace while improving traffic management and public amenities in one of Mumbai's busiest commercial areas.