Pune (Voice News Service): Once a tightly packed, aging quarter of South Mumbai, Bhendi Bazaar is being reborn as a sustainable and future-ready urban space — thanks to the visionary redevelopment led by the Saifee Burhani Upliftment Trust (SBUT). At the heart of this transformation is a bold commitment to clean mobility and eco-conscious infrastructure.
1. Leading with Electric Mobility
In a city where narrow lanes and dense traffic once left no room for structured parking, the Bhendi Bazaar redevelopment now integrates dedicated EV infrastructure — a first for such a historic precinct. The newly built Al Ezz tower features advanced parking solutions with EV charging stations for 40–50 two-wheelers and 10–20 four-wheelers, supporting India’s accelerating shift toward electric vehicles.
This focus on green mobility aligns perfectly with India’s national climate goals and the broader global push for sustainable urban transport. By making space for EVs in its urban design, SBUT is laying the groundwork for a cleaner and smarter future.
2. Built for Sustainability, Engineered for the Future
Sustainability is deeply embedded in every aspect of the Bhendi Bazaar project:
· Rooftop solar panels across the development are expected to generate over 600 kW of clean energy, reducing reliance on conventional power and lowering the carbon footprint.
· Rainwater harvesting systems and sewage treatment plants ensure water is used efficiently and responsibly.
· Garbage chutes and organic waste converters help in the effective segregation and recycling of wet and dry waste.
· Building orientation along the north-south axis minimizes heat gain, reducing the need for artificial cooling and enhancing energy efficiency.
· Over 700 native trees will be planted across the precinct, improving urban biodiversity and air quality.
These features not only minimize environmental impact but also create a healthier, more liveable environment for residents.
3. EV-Ready Roads and Smarter Infrastructure
The transformation also includes the redesign of formerly congested alleys into 18-meter-wide streets, built to accommodate increasing vehicular traffic, efficient parking layouts, and pedestrian-friendly spaces. These wider roads are not only easing mobility but also creating a platform for seamless transportation solutions to thrive in a high-density urban setting.
4. A National Example of Green Urbanism
Recognized as a national best practice for inner-city redevelopment and receiving the FICCI Smart Urban Innovation Award for ‘Smart Infrastructure’, SBUT’s work in Bhendi Bazaar is being closely watched by planners across India. It exemplifies how EV readiness and sustainability can go hand-in-hand with social upliftment and cultural preservation.
As India ramps up its clean energy goals and EV adoption accelerates, Bhendi Bazaar — and projects like Al Ezz — serve as living blueprints for how traditional neighbourhoods can transition into environmentally responsible, inclusive urban communities.
