Lokhandwala Complex

Lokhandwala Complex, also known as Lokhandwala is a large residential and commercial area in Andheri, Mumbai, India. It is located approx 5 km from Andheri station (Andheri (w)). The name 'Lokhandwala' refers to the construction firm Lokhandwala Constructions Pvt. Ltd. [http://www.lokhandwala.com/] , who were the primary developers of the suburb of Versova which was basically a marshland. The official name for the area, Shri Swami Samartha Nagar, is less well known.

Gentrification

When Mr Siraj Lokhandwala, proprietor of Lokhandwala Constructions, spotted the vast marshland in the area of Versova in 1978, he was discouraged by every broker in town to buy the land simply because they felt that no one would want to live so far away. However, Lokhandwala did go ahead with his vision and sources say that he had to deal with a lot of difficulties on the way. For one the entire Marshland was one big pit of quicksand and Lokhandwala had send out an army of camels to fill up that area with mud. Another anecdote says that when investors wanted to see where the building will be built, Lokhandwala use to throw a stone into the distance and say "there" because there was still no path to the plot through all the quicksand. But true to his word, Lokhandwala delivered and set new standards for middle class living through swimming pools and landscaping.

Initially a middle class suburban area, the area has gone upscale along with nearby Andheri neighbourhoods. Residential Housing costs valued in the early 80s at approximately Rs.125-225 per sq. ft. are now valued at nearly Rs.15,000 per sq. ft (residential).

Residents include many Bollywood film personalities, Non-Resident Indians, and others.

There are two gardens in Lokhandwala which reserve a green patch in the middle. They also serve as venues for a Yoga club, Laughter club, Senior citizens activities, various sports meets for children etc. There is a jogging track adjoining the Lokhandwala back road.

Lokhandwala Complex also has a dedicated website by the name [http://www.lokhandwalatimes.com] for the residents which has complete business and other details.

Lokhandwala vicintiy

Lokhandwala has transformed from a largely residential suburb to one of the busiest markets (like Linking Road in Bandra), boasting complexes like the Infiniti shopping mall, Citi Mall as well as Cinemax, Fame Adlabs and Fun Republic Multiplexes.

It also has the choicest of restaurants, ice-cream and gelato parlours and fast-food joints.

Some of the oldest businesses in the area include Rajpoot Dairy, Sasural Restaurant, Food Inn and High Point.

Nearby housing areas include Shastri Nagar and Tarapore Gardens.

Nearby neighbourhoods include "Four Bungalows" (1 km) "Seven Bungalows" (1.5 km), and the Versova Telephone Exchange (1 km).

References