by datta Nighut 
1. Introduction to Dadar West
Dadar West is a well-established locality in South Mumbai, with neighboring areas including Mahim Bay, Matunga, Dadareast, and Prabhadevi. Known for its high-rise buildings, Dadar West is home to prominent projects such as The Palette, Park Mist, and The Crest. The commercial hub of the area can be found on SVS Marg, Gokhle Road, and Tulsi Pipe Road, with developers like Dotom Ventures, Anmol Developers, and Matoshree Infrastructures making their mark.
2. Historical Significance and Development
Dadar West, located in South Mumbai, has a rich history and is known for its excellent connectivity via all modes of transport. The area is serviced by Dadar Railway station, which is common to both the central and western lines, and the airport is around 10 km away. Additionally, the proposed Line 3 (Colaba ā Bandra ā SEEPZ Line) is set to include Dadar Metro Station, which will cater to the area by December 2021. Over time, Dadar has transformed and evolved due to urban development and has become popular for residential and commercial purposes. Since the end of the 19th century, the area has developed to the extent that it is considered the world’s densest suburb. The Native Fences Act designated Dadar as a village for porting in 1862, and the real estate was given to the mechanics’ villages.
The area is known for its connecting railway station, an important part of the country’s first rail line connecting Mumbai and Thane. In 1925, railway workers in Dadar went on strike and destroyed the railway land. The station was renamed Swatantraveer Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Dadar Railway Station. Dadar’s architectural landscape combines Maharashtrian and British styles, with influences from colonial British and indigenous architecture. Dadar is predominantly populated by Marathis and Konkanis, and has a variety of shops due to immigration from neighboring states. Despite its small size, Dadar is a bustling shopping center, offering culinary delights from all over India.
3. Local Culture and Lifestyle
The locality of Dadar West boasts important landmarks such as KabootarKhana, Chaitya Bhoomi, Portuguese Church, Pramod Mahajan Kala Park, Chhatarpati Shivaji Maharaj Park, and Dadar Chaupati. Additionally, it is home to prominent schools like IES Modern English School, BalmohanVidyaMandir, ShardasharmVidyamandir International School, as well as nursing homes, hospitals, and dispensaries such as Navneet Jain Health Centre, Dhanwantari Hospital & Research Centre, and Shushruta Citizen?s Cooperative Bombay Hospital. The area also features institutions like NICA Institute, National Institute of Photography, and Navinchandra Mehta Institute of Technology and Development. Moreover, Dadar has numerous retail and commercial markets, including Nakshatra Shopping Mall, Swatantraveer Savarkar Market, Meenatai Thackrey Flower Market, Star Mall, Manish Market, and Cotton King Market (Next to Plaza Cinema). These establishments reflect the vibrant social and retail infrastructure of the locality, catering to the diverse needs of its residents.
Top gated communities in Dadar West, Mumbai
Dadar West is a vibrant area with plenty of attractions to explore. Shivaji Park, Dadar Chowpatty, and Kelkar House are some of the notable landmarks. Visitors can also explore Hindu temples like Koteshwar Temple and Christ King Church. The area also offers serene spots like Swatantrayaveer Savarkar Park and Bismillah Baug Gardens to escape the city hustle. Dadar West also boasts colonial-era buildings and South Indian restaurants in Dadar East. Additionally, the area is known for its shopping scene, with numerous vendor stalls on streets like Ranade Road and Keluskar Road. The popular Sidhivinayak Temple attracts thousands of visitors daily. Art enthusiasts can visit government-supported art galleries and independent spaces showcasing various art forms. Dadar West provides an enriching experience for those interested in immersing themselves in the local culture and society.
5. Things to do in Dadar West, Mumbai
Dadar West: Travel Essentials How to get there: Take a local train to Dadar, catch a bus, or hail an auto-rickshaw (limited to three passengers). You can also book transportation online, but check for any schedule changes.
Best time to visit: Experience the Hindu festival of Gudi Padwa in March/April, or visit during off-peak seasons for lower accommodation prices and fewer crowds.
Safety for female travellers: Dadar West is safe, but be cautious and use reputable services. Avoid walking alone after dark and stick to well-lit areas.
Accommodation: Dadar West offers a range of budget, mid-range, and luxury hotels. Medical help: Local hospital and pharmacy are located on Main Road Dadar West. Dining: Enjoy regional cuisines at local coffee houses, canteens, and hotels.
