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Lokhandwala Today  |  Geography  |  Shopping in Lokhandwala


Lokhandwala Today

Developed over the last 25 years, the Lokhandwala Complex - once home to middle class society -has now given way to upper middle class commercial and residential population. It was cheap affordable housing - built on land that was marshy- away from railway station for the middle class of Mumbai. It soon caught the attention of the rich and the famous. Non-Resident Indians, prominent film and TV artists, and at times a few infamous personalities too.

It has become a big shopping commercial hub. Property prices currently - Oct
2006 - are at an all time high. And it is surrounded by malls and multiplex theaters. In the vicinity are schools, colleges, including one engineering college near Lokhandwala Complex that has attracted the attention of many and has lots of residential towers and housing complexes with luxurious amenities.

The name 'Lokhandwala' is probably because of several apartment buildings / towers constructed originally by Lokhandwala Builders, who, apparently, were also instrumental in the development of this locality. The name 'Lokhandwala Complex' became famous because of the 4 major towers built at that time by Lokhandwala Builders and also for other modern architectural buildings of those days built by them. However, the official name for the area "Shri Swami Samartha Nagar" still remains. Lokhandwala that began as a residential suburb has now become one of the busiest markets like Linking Road in Bandra.

Rajpoot Dairy, Sasural Restaurant, Food Inn and High Point are few of the oldest businesses that still remain. The cost of residential units in early 80's was approximately Rs.150 - Rs.225 per square foot and is now valued at nearly Rs.1,00,000 square foot. Recently the restaurant Rhythm, at the beginning of the main market road, was offered to be bought for Rs.21 crores by the citi group.

Geography

The main Lokandwala Road - guess called PC Tandon Marg - running from south to north intersects the main Lokhandwala right through its middle and is lined with shops cum apartment buildings on both sides. Then there are cross roads (east to west) - 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th - which intersects the main Lokhandwala Road, thus creating about 10 blocks. There are wide roads running across the entire boundary of LC, parallel to the main road, and connected through the cross roads.

Lokhandwala Gardens is a large stretch of green patch, where the denizens of Lokhandwala find solace, peace and fresh oxygen. It is a beehive of activities - You can catch up on your physical fitness exercises or be part of Yoga club, Laughter club, Senior citizens activities, Religious / Spiritual discourses and singing, attend Kavi Sammelan (once a year, in Winter) and Sports day for children (usually on 15th August - Independence Day; and 26th January - Republic Day).

While the original Lokhandwala Garden - which is more prominent as well - is situated inside of Lokhandwala complex; a new garden has come up recently which diagonally across the original Garden, and just on the other side of Lokhandwala bridge.

Shopping in Lokhandwala

Whatever you are looking for in your day to day shopping, you are likely to find it in LC, and at a bargain at that. Clothing / Apparels, Shoes / Leather wear, Books, Music, Sweets, Jewellery, Gifts, Eyewear, latest mobile phones, etc. There are several shops offering street side food; and a variety of budget restaurants and a bar as well. You will also find McDonalds, Dominos Pizza and Subway. Off-Lokhandwala Bridge are also Cafe Coffee Day, Mocha and Barista - three happening coffee bars; and Pizza Hut. If you are the first timer in Lokhandwala Complex, allow for about 2-3 hours, and start from one end of the half kilometer street and walk up to experience the true colours of Lokhandwala. Every Diwali, Lokhandwala celebrates the Diwali Shopping Festival. The entire street is lit up with lights - as if the stars have descended on the Complex!