Yusuf Somaiya BhavanFort, Mumbai

The Fort section of Mumbai, popularly known as the Fort District, is a historic neighbourhood in the city's south. It was named after the 17th-century British-built Fort George, which served as the heart of British Mumbai. Today, the neighbourhood is a thriving business and financial centre, home to a number of key organisations and offices. The Fort District is known for its stunning colonial-era architecture, which includes the historic Bombay High Court and Rajabai Clock Tower. Flora Fountain and Horniman Circle Gardens are additional famous sights. The neighbourhood combines Mumbai's rich past with current development.

What Is Good in Fort? / What Can Be Better in Fort?

What Is Good in Fort?

• The renowned Victoria Terminus (now known as Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus) and the Bombay High Court. These architectural wonders represent the city's colonial heritage and provide an insight into its past.
• Cultural Vibrancy: Throughout the year, the Fort neighbourhood organises a variety of cultural events and festivals, drawing art aficionados, performers, and visitors. The lively environment adds to the appeal of the area.
• Commercial Hub: Fort is a large commercial and financial centre, with major firms, banks, and financial institutions based there. It provides several business prospects and is a popular destination for many professionals and entrepreneurs.
• Convenient Location: The central location of the neighbourhood allows for simple access to various parts of Mumbai. It is well-served by public transit, including local trains, buses, and taxis, making it easy for residents and visitors to commute.

What Can Be Better in Fort?

• Traffic Congestion: During peak hours, the Fort region has considerable traffic congestion, causing delays and annoyance for commuters. Traffic management and infrastructural improvements might help relieve this problem.
• Pedestrian-Friendly Infrastructure: Improving pedestrian infrastructure, such as larger walkways, designated crossing locations, and improved signage, will improve the area's general walkability and safety.
• Green areas: Fort does not have many green areas or parks. More parks and recreational places would give residents and tourists with tranquil and refreshing spaces in the midst of the city's bustle.
• While attempts have been made to conserve and repair ancient buildings in Fort, more attention and resources may be directed towards the protection and management of these architectural treasures.

Physical Infrastructure and Livability Index

For a community to develop, physical infrastructure is crucial. Superior connectivity is found at Fort, Mumbai. There are airports available for domestic and international travel. It has also made it simple for people to travel there because this city is well-connected via roads, flyovers, and bridges. In this area, there are plenty of water sources and adequate sanitation.  It is easy to gain the right access because of the abundance of taxis, cars, and buses here. 

Sewage and waste management systems are also being improved. Additionally, this area has top-notch medical facilities. Many hospitals have made sure that the people in Mumbai and other areas are healthy and happy. There are many schools and colleges also available. This area is home to a large number of reputable schools, institutions, and management training programs. Here, you can also find different types of recreational facilities, like sports facilities and cultural hubs. Also very high on the livability scale is this location. Both the pollution and connection are quite low in this area. 

Social Infrastructure
Restaurants

1. Britannia & Co. Restaurant
2. Cafe Excelsior
3. Jimmy Boy
4. Kala Ghoda Cafe
5. Yazdani Bakery

Banks

1. State Bank of India
2. Bank of Baroda
3. HDFC Bank
4. ICICI Bank
5. Axis Bank

Metro Station

There is presently no direct metro stop in the Fort area. The nearest metro station, however, is Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (CST), which is nearby and connects to numerous districts of Mumbai.

Airport

The closest airport to Fort is Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport in Andheri. It is around 25 km distant and is accessible by taxis or other forms of transportation.

Bus Terminal

The Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST) bus depot at CST is the closest bus terminal to Fort. It is a significant bus terminal in Mumbai that provides bus services around the city.

Railway Stations

1. Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (CST)
2. Churchgate Station
3. Mumbai Central Station
4. Masjid Bunder Station
5. Marine Lines Station

Parks

1. Horniman Circle Gardens
2. Cross Maidan
3. Oval Maidan
4. Hanging Gardens (located in nearby Malabar Hill)
5. Kamala Nehru Park (located in nearby Malabar Hill)

Popular Roads in Fort - Road 1 / Road 2 / Road 3 / Road 4

There are several popular roads situated near the Fort area Mumbai. Some of these popular roads here are:

DN Road

Dadabhai Naoroji Road has a large number of heritage buildings which includes the Mumbai High Court and the General post office.

MG Road

This road is the busiest road near Fort Fort. This place is located in the heart of the cityand has many popular landmarks such as Flora Fountain, Hutatma Chowk and Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus and others. 

Veer Narima Road

This particular Marine Drive and this place is situated after Veer Nariman. This particular connects Church gate with the Fort area and has a large number of restaurants, cafes and commercial buildings. 

Shahid Bhagat Singh Road 

This road is also known as Colaba Causeway which connects Fort Area to Colaba. This is a vibrant area which is lined with cafes, restaurants, shops and boutiques. 

Nearby Fort - Distance Calculator

There are many localities in Fort, Mumbai. These localities are well connected to each other and these places are well connected to each other: 

How People Rate this Fort 

The Fort district of Mumbai is well-known for its architectural features, economic activity, and cultural events. It draws a wide mix of individuals, including visitors, professionals, and residents. Individual experiences and tastes can influence the overall ranking of Fort.

How to Visit Fort

• By Local Trains: The nearest railway station to the Fort is Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (CST). From various sections of Mumbai, you may take a local train to CST and then walk or take a short taxi/auto-rickshaw journey to Fort.
• Buses: The Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST) bus network connects Fort to the rest of the city. You may catch a bus to CST or the Fort area and get out at the right bus stop.
• Taxis and auto-rickshaws are abundant in Mumbai. To get to Fort, you can take a cab or an auto-rickshaw. Make careful to negotiate the fare or operate the metre in accordance with local laws.
• Using a Private Vehicle: If you have your own car or want to hire a private cab, you may use GPS navigation or follow the directions supplied by internet maps to get to Fort.
• Walking: If you are staying near Fort or at a neighbouring hotel, you may explore the neighbourhood on foot. Fort is a small neighbourhood with several attractions within walking distance of one another.

Tourist Spot / Places To Visit in Fort

The Gateway of India, a majestic arch structure overlooking the Arabian Sea, is a Mumbai landmark and the starting point for numerous boat cruises.

The Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya (previously the Prince of Wales Museum) is a great museum that has a huge collection of art, artefacts, and archaeological displays, including sculptures, paintings, and decorative arts.

Jehangir Art Gallery: This gallery promotes modern Indian art and exhibits the works of recognised artists.

Established in 1804, the Asiatic Society Library has a significant collection of books, manuscripts, and historical artefacts, including a facsimile of the famed Indus Valley Civilization seal.

Flora Fountain: A lovely fountain in the middle of Fort, surrounded by stunning buildings. It is a famous location for photography and a gathering place for residents.

Horniman Circle Gardens: A beautiful green park with a central garden and an assortment of trees that provides a pleasant setting to rest and unwind in the heart of the city.

The first Anglican church in Mumbai, St. Thomas Cathedral is renowned for its elegant architecture and stunning stained glass windows.

Rajabai Clock Tower: A well-known icon of Mumbai University, this Victorian Gothic clock tower features beautiful carvings and plays music periodically.

Oval Maidan: A sizable open area featuring a cricket pitch that is utilised for sporting events and leisure activities. It offers a calm ambiance and a broad perspective of the nearby sites.

A cultural centre famed for its art galleries, museums, cafés, and street art is the Kala Ghoda Art Precinct. An annual festival of the arts and culture, the Kala Ghoda Arts Festival, is held there.

Fort Comparison (basis on a few elements)

Place and connectivity:

• In South Mumbai, next to the ocean and next to Colaba, is where you'll find Fort.
• At the southernmost point of the city, in South Mumbai, is the Colaba neighbourhood.

Residential and commercial mix:

• Fort: Fort is predominantly a business district, home to a large number of corporate structures, financial institutions, and offices.
• Colaba provides a mixture of residential and business space. It has posh apartment buildings, hotels, eateries, and boutique stores.

Vacationing and Attractions:

• The Bombay High Court, the Rajabai Clock Tower, and museums like the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya are some of the significant sites in the fort.
• Colaba is a well-liked tourist location with attractions including the National Gallery of Modern Art, the Colaba Causeway, and the Gateway of India.

Transportation and Connectivity:

• Fort: The closest train station is Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (CST), and Fort has good access to local buses, cabs, and trains.
• Colaba: Local buses, taxis, and auto-rickshaws all provide convenient access to Colaba. Churchgate railway station is also nearby.