Mumbai's Kala Ghoda gets pedestrian-friendly cultural precinct

It is SoBo by foot as a by lane casts a charming spell. PICS/SAYYED SAMEER ABEDI

In what could be termed a feat for the feet, Colaba's Kala Ghoda got its pedestrian-friendly cultural precinct. The lane adjacent to the defunct Rhythm House and a little offshoot in the middle with its medley of upscale stores and cafes was the site of the precinct beautification and pedestrian-friendly initiative inaugurated by Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, along with other leaders, on Tuesday morning. These little roads will be pedestrian only from 6 pm onwards to 12 am on weekends.

The makeover

Artworks give the area a Bohemian touch

The district makeover saw a sizeable crowd of locals attending the inauguration. We moved past tables with high chairs plus bar stools outside cafes, giving it a total European vibe.

There were at least three artistic installations, wall murals, and the stone walkway that caught the eye. The area looked artsy and captured the soul of free-spirited Mumbai.

CM Speak

CM Devendra Fadnavis during the inauguration at Kala Ghoda, on Tuesday

CM Fadnavis, Highlighting the aesthetics of the precinct, said
‘The first thing that strikes you is how beautiful the area is. I congratulate the visionary leaders [Narvekars] and the BMC. This is the new cultural hub of the city. These spaces are for the people. We all have to be mindful about being systematic and organised when it comes to maintenance, this is very important.'

CM Devendra Fadnavis watches potter Ashok T at work

Voices

Bella Shah, activist
‘We always believed this will happen, even with some challenges over the past two years. The transformation from a simple road to a stunning arts avenue will set a blueprint for other areas of the city'

Walk the talk at Kala Ghoda, or maybe Carnaby Street in London

Maria Goretti Chico and Joanette Remedios, locals
‘Who needs a ticket to a place in Europe? We can find it here. This proves a city short on space can work on the adage ‘small is beautiful'

Ujwal V Koli, BJP ward president
‘This will become a cultural window to the world. The area is for ordinary persons and the swish set, as walking is the great equaliser'

Ajay Multani, Colaba resident
‘This is a tremendous uplift for this place, as it was ignored at times, being tucked behind the main roads; now it really is time to put your best foot forward'

Rashne Dubash, Colaba resident
‘This is a start; we want to see more such initiatives'

Cynthia D'Mello, activist
‘I hope as people enter, they actually debate and discuss which place in Europe this reminds them of the most'