This is probably the cleanest stretch of pavement in the city. And considering that it is located in the heart of the city’s business district, it certainly is commendable. Bombay House (the official business address of the Tatas) and the main branch of Central Bank of India both located on Homi Mody Street at Fountain have taken the initiative and beautified both sides of the street. Not the entire street as you might think, but just the sections the two buildings cover.

The restoration work was supervised by conservation architect Vikas Dilawari along with financial support from the Central Bank and the Associated Building Co. Ltd. housed at Bombay House.

The pavement outside both the buildings were both badly maintained due to constant digging by various civic authorities. And everytime it was dug, the tiles were never replaced. There was also the problem of the hawkers, though the hawkers were not as many, as say the rest in the area.

It took three months and Rs.27 lakhs to have the work completed. The cables under the pavement were treated and a protective layer of cement was laid before it was tiled. Even the duct pipes which used to hang from the air-conditioning units overhead were removed. The excess water which earlier used to drip into buckets randomly have been done away with, now the water is automatically drained into the drainage system. This way, there will be no water collection or flooding on the pavements.

Bollards (which are thick, short, iron posts) have also been placed along the pavement. Connecting each bollard are iron chains, a few inches over the pavement. "These are not really high, one can simply walk over them, but the idea is to prevent people from crossing as and where they want. This way pedestrians restrict themselves to the pavement and the traffic flows better," said Mr. K.N.Suntook, Chairman of the Associated Building Co. Ltd.

There are also special lights that have been installed along the pavement. Nothing fancy, just durable and long lasting which provides ample light along the path during the evening. :"Although selecting the products took time, everything was locally sourced. We have tried to keep it simple and straight," added Mr. Suntook.

The idea for this model street is for others to follow suit. But Mr. Suntook added that they would wait for around three months to ensure that no damage has been done. After that they will certainly be looking at similar restorations around the area. The idea is to beautify the entire area, whether that eventually happens is something we have to wait and watch.