Editor’s Note
This article examines the potential of three historic Mumbai industries—fine jewellery, imitation jewellery, and textiles—to compete on a global stage. As these sectors look beyond local markets, their evolution could redefine South Mumbai’s commercial landscape.
The three largest industries that add sparkle to the world of fashion and glamour—the gold and diamond jewellery trade of the Jewellery Market, the imitation jewellery business of Bhuleshwar, and the textile industry of Kalbadevi—are now moving towards international competition. The question is, which of these three will be the first to transform South Mumbai into a world-class retail hub and give it a new identity?
Today, when major global cities like Dubai, Singapore, Hong Kong, and New York have already turned their business districts into global brands, these historic markets of South Mumbai remain trapped in narrow lanes and dilapidated buildings. Meanwhile, in other parts of the city, such as the Navi Mumbai Airport or world-class malls, international-level facilities are rapidly developing.
Local traders believe that the Jewellery Market, Bhuleshwar, and Kalbadevi also need modern malls and cluster development on the same lines, where all facilities of international standards—parking, secure buildings, state-of-the-art showrooms, food courts, cinemas, entertainment parks, digital payment hubs, and well-organized traffic systems—are available.
Metro train services are set to start soon in South Mumbai, which will make access to these markets even easier. In such a scenario, the question arises: will these areas remain confined to their old identity and crumbling buildings, or will they truly take on the form of a global retail destination?
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis recently assured traders of the Jewellery Market that
If this plan comes to fruition, this crowded area of South Mumbai could take on a form in the future where traders and customers receive the same facilities that are available today in the world’s top global cities.