Vashi which is commonly known as the entrance to Navi Mumbai is the first station after the city of Mankhurd and it is the entrance into the Navi Mumbai. It is a very well-planned sector having numerous commercial outlets and living communities. There are three large scale malls in Vashi namely, Inorbit Mall, Center One and Raghuleela Mall and small shopping plazas such as Satra Plaza and Vashi Plaza. Situated at a distance of 20 minutes of Chembur, Vashi is well connected with roads and railways and is a terminus of Harbour Line and Trans-Harbour Line. It has cosmopolitan culture and educational schools.
Geography
Vashi is a zoned node of Navi Mumbai which is situated in western densities of Thane Creek. This makes it a very important bridge between navigating Mumbai and Navi Mumbai whereby the two cities can be easily reached. The Thane Creek lies on the eastern side, Turbhe on the south, Kopar Khairane on the western side and Ghansoli on the north of the city.
The geographical location of Vashi is on a fairly flat coastal plain though in some sections there has been some elevation. The closeness of the city to Thane creek gives her a waterfront which greatly contributes on her landscape as well as recreation.
The strategic location of Vashi and proper master planning of the infrastructure makes it an attractive place to settle down in terms of residential, commercial, and even entertainment zone in the Navi Mumbai area.
History
Preceding the 1990s, Vashi was just a small fishing hamlet with Koli community occupying the place. People in the villages depended primarily on fishing and agriculture. The area used to be a sight of salt pans that boosted the economy of the place.
CIDCO (City and Industrial Development Corporation) began with the construction of Navi Mumbai as a planned city to ease the congestion that was faced in Mumbai in the 1970s. One of the nodes that were selected in this project is Vashi. CIDCO took land away of the villagers, providing them with other housing and remuneration.
During the 1980s the development of the infrastructure was very fast in Vashi and new well-planned roads, residential complexes and commercial centres were established. Vashi Mini-Sea Shore had also been developed offering scenic water front and recreation space. Gradually Vashi changed into a modern city with a high quality life and active life.
Demographics
Climate
     Vashi has a tropical wet and dry climate, with average temperatures ranging from 22°C to 32°C (72°F to 90°F). The hottest months are April and May, while the coolest months are December and January. Vashi experiences heavy rainfall during the monsoon season, which runs from June to September. The city receives an average of 2,500 millimetres (98 inches) of rain per year.
     Currently, the weather in Vashi is 23°C (73°F) and clear. The humidity is 72%, and the wind speed is 10 kilometres per hour (6 miles per hour). The forecast for the rest of the day is for mostly sunny skies with a high of 30°C (86°F).
     Vashi experiences a tropical savanna climate, characterized by hot and humid summers and mild winters. The monsoon season brings heavy rainfall, adding to the city’s lush greenery. The average annual rainfall is around 2,500 mm.
Economy
The bright but growing economy is what Vashi, a key node of Navi Mumbai, is vouched by. Vashi is a huge trade hub, a trade hub where the IT market is well established and trading houses are set up, a real estate market which is going berserk. There are also a variety of corporate offices/shops and shopping malls which promote its economic growth as well. Some of the major industries in Vashi include information technology industry, finance industry, health industry and retail. The economy in percent has been apportioned under sectors as indicated below on general economic figures and actuals of the like urban locality. This is more of an estimation outlook and the values will vary.
Economic Composition of Vashi
1. Retail and Commercial (30-35%)
- Vashi is known as a commercial hub with prominent retail spaces like Inorbit Mall, Raghuleela Mall, and numerous local markets.
- The APMC Market (Agricultural Produce Market Committee) in Vashi is one of the largest wholesale markets in Asia, contributing significantly to trade and commerce.
2. IT and Services Sector (20-25%)
- The IT parks and commercial zones house a range of IT companies, startups, and service-based firms.
- Vashi’s strategic connectivity to Mumbai has attracted numerous BPOs, KPOs, and IT consultancies.
3. Hospitality and Tourism (10-15%)
- Hotels, restaurants, and entertainment venues cater to both residents and visitors, contributing to the local economy.
- Proximity to tourist attractions in Navi Mumbai enhances this sector’s growth.
4. Real Estate (15-20%)
- Rapid urbanization has made Vashi a prime location for residential and commercial real estate development.
- Property prices and rental income significantly contribute to the economy.
5. Manufacturing and Industrial (5-10%)
- While not a major industrial hub, some small-scale industries and ancillary units operate in the outskirts.
- Industrial activities in neighboring nodes like Turbhe and Mahape influence Vashi indirectly.
6. Education and Healthcare (5-10%)
- Numerous schools, colleges, and healthcare facilities contribute to the economy by providing jobs and services.
- Institutions like Fr. Agnel’s School and top private hospitals bolster this sector.
7. Transport and Logistics (5-7%)
- Given its location as a transit point between Mumbai and Navi Mumbai, transport and logistics play a crucial role.
- Vashi is a key node for bus, train, and freight services.
Education
     Vashi is home to several renowned educational institutions, catering to students of all ages. Some prominent institutions include:
1. Careernova Technologies:
• Focus: This is an educational technology startup that offers offline courses in trending technologies like 3D printing, artificial intelligence, drones, and robotics.
• Aim: To bridge the gap between career aspirations and the traditional curriculum.
• Website: Careernova Technologies
2. Fr. Conceicao Rodrigues Institute of Technology (FCRIT):
• Type: A private engineering college affiliated with the University of Mumbai.
• Courses: Offers undergraduate and postgraduate programs in various engineering disciplines.
• Known for: Quality education, modern infrastructure, and good placement assistance.
• Website: FCRIT
3. Fr. Agnel Polytechnic:
• Type: A polytechnic college offering diploma courses in engineering fields like civil, mechanical, automobile, and electronics.
• Focus: Practical, hands-on training and skill development.
• Website: Fr. Agnel Polytechnic
4. Bakliwal Foundation - College of Arts, Commerce & Science (BFCACS):
• Type: A college offering undergraduate courses in arts, commerce, and science.
• Focus: Specialized studies and career-oriented programs.
• Website: Bakliwal Foundation
5. Sacred Heart High School & Junior College:
• Type: An English-medium school affiliated with the Maharashtra State Board of Secondary and Higher Secondary Education.
• Focus: Holistic education with a focus on academics, extracurricular activities, and moral values.
• Website: Sacred Heart High School & Junior College
Transport
     Vashi boasts excellent connectivity, making it a well-connected hub within the Navi Mumbai region and beyond. Here’s a breakdown of the key transport facilities:
1. Railway:
Vashi Railway Station: Situated on the Harbour Line of the Mumbai Suburban Railway, it provides frequent and efficient connectivity to various parts of Mumbai and Navi Mumbai.
- Local Trains: These are the most common mode of transport, offering quick and affordable travel within the city and to neighboring areas.
- Long-Distance Trains: Some long-distance trains also halt at Vashi station, connecting it to other parts of India.
2. Road:
- Excellent Road Network: Vashi has a well-developed road network with wide roads and flyovers, facilitating smooth traffic flow.
- State Transport Buses (ST Buses): These buses provide affordable and extensive connectivity within Navi Mumbai and to other parts of Maharashtra.
- Private Buses and Taxis: Numerous private buses and taxi services operate within Vashi and to neighboring areas, offering convenient transportation options.
- Auto-rickshaws: Auto- rickshaws are readily available for short-distance travel within Vashi.
- Ride-hailing Services: Popular ride-hailing services like Ola and Uber are also available in Vashi, providing convenient and on-demand transportation.
3. Air:
Proximity to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport: The international airport in Mumbai is located relatively close to Vashi, making air travel easily accessible.
4. Water Transport:
Ferry Services: Although not as frequent as other modes, ferry services are available on the Thane Creek, connecting Vashi to some parts of Mumbai.
Landmarks
APMC Market
A Market of wholesale trade including fruits, vegetables, spices, etc. is in Vashi, Agricultural Produce Market Committee (APMC) Market. It is a busy trade centre in which traders and retailers obtain fresh produce. The market is around 3 kilometers far away form Vashi Railway Station.
Vashi Railway Station
Vashi Railway Station forms one of the most important destinations of the Harbour Line under the Mumbai Suburban Railway service. It is a strategically positioned bridge that links Vashi with diverse places within Mumbai and Navi Mumbai as thousands of commuters use it daily to travel.
Vashi Police Station
Vashi Police Station undertakes the duty of law and order in Vashi area. Its location is 76, Groma Marg Sector 19D Vashi Navi Mumbai Maharashtra 400703.
Inorbit Mall Vashi
A major shopping place in Vashi is Inorbit Mall that was opened in the year 2008. It contains numerous national and international brands, restaurants, and entertainment setups along with a gross leasable space of 550,000 square feet. The mall is well accessible because it is in close proximity to Vashi Railway Station.
Conclusion
Vashi is the colorful entry point to Navi Mumbai; it has craftily meshed in the metropolitan culture with the beauty of nature. It is also popular as a commercial powerhouse with excellent connectivity and wide roads, as well as green areas, its hotspots include APMC Market and Inorbit Mall. The vibrant concoction of contemporary lifestyle and global elegance, Vashi is the center of education and culture. Though its vibrant development and the population density of 31,361 per square kilometers show its effectiveness, sustainable development will help this region to be the dazzling destination where people can live and work or start their business.
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