MUMBAI: In 1984-85, construction began sweeping through the lush mangroves and marshlands of Andheri West, leading to the establishment of a premium housing estate. Now, 41 years later, Lokhandwala Complex is experiencing a new wave of redevelopment driven by necessity and the Fear of Missing Out (FOMO).
Divided into four parallel lanes, Lokhandwala is a self-sufficient township with hundreds of shops catering to all needs, from basic essentials to luxury items.
Now, the skyline is set to shift. From the Svati building—site of the notorious 1991 Lokhandwala shootout—to Apna Ghar societies and beyond, demolition and new construction are accelerating, with signs announcing new developers and project managers visible everywhere.
The roots of this transformation extend back four decades. Long-time residents remember traveling by camel to visit flats in 1983-84 due to the absence of proper roads. Young middle-class families took out loans to secure their dream homes, many of whom are now senior citizens, facing the possibility of selling their apartments as the cost of new ones may exceed their budgets. Property taxes will be based on the prevailing rates at the completion of the new constructions, alongside expected surges in maintenance costs.
In the first phase of development in 1984-85, builders like Lokhandwala, Hiranandani, and Walawalkar constructed these homes, although the area’s name honors the main developer. The current phase sees major players such as DLH, DGS, Bharat, Rishabhraj, Ajmera, Kalpataru, Puravankara, Rustomjee, and Mahindra Lifespaces involved, with societies negotiating deals promising increases in residential space from 35% to 110%.
Constructed in 1983, the Hrushikesh Society in Apna Ghar-1 contained 290 flats across eight buildings, which were demolished in mid-2025. Committee members are still convening daily in a temporary office space. “The quality of construction by Walawalkar was commendable, but the floods of June 2005 devastated our ground-floor homes. This made us aware of the need for upgrades. The ongoing repair expenses are overwhelming. Moreover, our buildings lacked lifts, making it hard for senior residents to navigate the stairs. Now, we’ve secured 52% additional space and a corpus of ₹15-16 lakh for our redevelopment, with construction expected to complete in three-and-a-half years,” they shared.
In Lane 2 of Lokhandwala, the more affluent residences stand 7-14 storeys high, presenting a conflict between “need and greed.” “As families grow, many feel an additional room is necessary. Meanwhile, the original buyers from the 1980s are now senior citizens—some limited in resources, others retired or with children living abroad,” noted Dhaval Shah from the residents’ association, LOCA. “Thus, some may contemplate selling their flats. Bigger homes mean higher property taxes, increased electricity bills, and higher wages for staff. Plus, amenities like swimming pools and gyms will add to maintenance fees—potentially increasing monthly costs fivefold, from ₹2,000 to ₹10,000.”
Shah facilitated a connection with residents whose buildings are under renovation.
Priyam Gangrade from Sheetal Chhaya voiced her concerns about the poor construction that led to the need for redevelopment. “Work is advancing quickly, but we received a raw deal,” she said.
In December, Sweeta Choitramani left her apartment of 27 years in the Svati building. “This was my home since I got married, and my daughter was born here. The process of redevelopment is heart-wrenching,” she shared.
Property broker Arun Lillaney stated that Lokhandwala is on its way to becoming the “next Lower Parel.” “The buildings have stood for 40-45 years; redevelopment is urgently needed. The government has approved favorable Floor Space Index (FSI) regulations, attracting reputable builders. Each deal varies by location, but each brings advantages,” he explained. Broker Jaideep Mandal, whose own building in Lane 2 is set for redevelopment, noted that retirees and seniors with abroad-based children may struggle with increased living costs.
Shah highlights that more residents in new towers will necessitate improvements to roads, parking, drainage, and water supply.
Rajesh Makhija of Landmark Estate Agency observed the area’s transformation since 1983. “Back then, there were no roads, buses, or sanitation; even basic infrastructure was absent. Lokhandwala Complex developed from nothing. However, new amenities will be integrated again as the city expands vertically.” He advises buyers to choose reputable developers after verifying their financial stability. During discussions at a doctor’s clinic in Apna Ghar, one member of the managing committee remarked, “At every meeting, 90% of the members ask, ‘When will the building come down?’ All for just one extra room.”
