Preserving the Past | 300-year-old Ranwar Village in Bandra set for a heritage facelift

Ranwar Village, one of Bandra's oldest hamlets with a 300-year history, is set for a much-needed facelift to address increasing traffic and urbanisation threats. Spearheaded by MLA Ashish Shelar and architect Samir D' Monte, the project aims to preserve Ranwar’s heritage through landscaping, improved lighting, and semi-pedestrianisation to limit external traffic. Locals support the changes, including fire safety improvements and parking solutions.

The initiative seeks to balance modern needs with heritage conservation, ensuring the village's legacy endures amid city life’s rapid growth.

Despite its old-world allure, Ranwar is under siege of urbanisation, as more vehicles use its narrow paths as shortcuts, ignoring one-way signs. This influx has prompted locals to call for solutions to safeguard their community.

Architect Samir D’Monte, involved in the project for over 15 years, emphasises the need to balance modern needs with heritage preservation. The initiative not only aims to enhance the aesthetic appeal of Ranwar but also to ensure its survival amid the rapid encroachment of city life. The project will focus on preserving Ranwar’s heritage through landscaping, improved lighting, and semi-pedestrianisation to reduce external traffic. The facelift aims to balance modern needs with heritage conservation, ensuring Ranwar’s legacy endures.

Locals, eager to preserve their heritage, welcome the changes, which also include fire safety improvements and parking solutions. With funding expected from the District Planning Development Committee, this initiative promises to breathe new life into Ranwar while protecting its rich history.