A Rare Glimpse into Bombay’s Changing Skyline – 1970s Bombay Skyline
This iconic black-and-white photograph, shared by Prof. Harshad Bhatia, captures a historic view from Cumballa Hill in 1970s Bombay Skyline (now Mumbai). Taken from what appears to be the Woodlands Apartments on Peddar Road (currently Gopalrao Deshmukh Marg), this shot offers a rare, elevated perspective of the city’s transformation after the 1967 Development Plan, which introduced the concept of FSI (Floor Space Index).
🏢 Identifying the Buildings in the Image
The photo beautifully encapsulates Bombay’s evolving skyline:
- Light Blue Dot: Usha Kiran – One of Mumbai’s earliest high-rises.
- Red Dot: Jaslok Hospital – Still under construction in this view.
- Yellow Dot: Sterling Apartments – A standout residential building of the time.
- Blue Dot: Kenilworth Apartments – Recognizable by its curving access passages.
- Pink Dot: Mafatlal House – Its distinct rooftop still stands out.
The image captures a critical moment in time – when urban development and vertical growth first began to shape the future of this coastal metropolis.
🛠️ A Landmark Era in Mumbai’s Urban Planning
The first Development Plan (1967) reshaped the city’s building norms. With FSI-based regulations, developers could now build vertically, marking the rise of Mumbai’s first skyscrapers. Buildings like Usha Kiran became blueprints for future vertical housing solutions in an ever-expanding city.
This image reflects not just architecture, but also the ambitions, optimism, and infrastructure push of post-independence India.
📌 Why This View Still Matters
This panoramic snapshot from the 1970s is more than just an old photograph – it’s a window into Bombay’s rapid transformation. It shows how urban density, population pressure, and planning policies combined to redefine Mumbai’s future skyline.
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