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Vashi
Vashi
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Vashi is a residential and commercial node in Navi Mumbai, Maharashtra, across the Thane Creek of the Arabian Sea on the outskirts of Mumbai.[1] Vashi is named after the largest village present in Vashi Node.

Key Information

Overview

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Vashi Creek and the Mangrove forests

Vashi is a well-connected node of Navi Mumbai. It is also the first Navi Mumbai station after Mankhurd, which is the last station of the Mumbai Suburban city. Vashi is a well-organised suburban area that houses many commercial stores and has many residential societies. Vashi has three main and large malls, viz., Inorbit Mall Vashi, Palm Beach Galleria Mall and Raghuleela Mall. Along with these three malls several other small shopping plazas are also developed across vashi, e.g. Satra Plaza,[2] Vashi Plaza.[3] Vashi is located 20 minutes away from Chembur a suburban area in Mumbai and is easily accessible by both road and railways. Vashi is also a terminal railway station for Harbour Line & Trans-Harbour Line. Vashi is well known for its cosmopolitan culture & educational institutes.

Turbhe also houses an Agricultural Produce Market Committee (APMC) market where all the grocery items, food items, Rice, Lentils, wheat, and different types of Spices are sold at a wholesale price.

Educational institutions

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See also

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References

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Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
Vashi is a major residential and commercial node in , , , situated across the from the main city, serving as a key entry point to the planned satellite city. Originally a small fishing hamlet inhabited by the Koli community before the 1990s, Vashi was transformed in the early 1980s by the (CIDCO) as the first fully developed node of , part of a broader initiative to alleviate overcrowding in through organized urban expansion. Renowned for its well-planned , Vashi features a mix of affordable and luxury housing options, alongside bustling markets, shopping malls such as Raghuleela Mall, and significant commercial hubs that attract residents and visitors alike. The area is highly connected via the on the Harbour Line of the , providing direct links to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CST), Thane, Panvel, and other suburbs, while road networks including the Sion-Panvel Expressway, Palm Beach Road, and the enhance accessibility to , , and beyond. As Navi Mumbai's oldest and most developed sector, Vashi continues to evolve with ongoing projects for aging structures and improvements in civic amenities, including Metro Line 1 expansion and a new 3-lane bridge near Vashi Toll Naka as of 2025, solidifying its status as a vibrant urban center with a population of approximately 276,000 (2020 estimate) and a pivotal role in the region's economy.

History and Etymology

Etymology

The name Vashi derives from the historic village of Vashi Gaon (also spelled Vashigaon), a longstanding fishing and farming settlement situated along the on the eastern periphery of what is now . Historical accounts describe Vashi Gaon as a self-sustaining community primarily engaged in fishing and rice cultivation, with residents transporting their catch and produce by boat to markets in ; around the mid-20th century, it comprised approximately 600 families, though its roots as a creek-side settlement extend to earlier periods. A traditional Marathi proverb, "Vashi mhanje faashi" (Vashi means ), captures the village's pre-modern isolation, as it was encircled by water, lacking basic like or schools and restricting external connections, including marriages. In the 1970s, as the (CIDCO) planned Navi Mumbai's township across 95 villages, the name Vashi was preserved for its inaugural node to honor the existing local settlement and foster a sense of continuity.

Development History

Vashi was established in 1972 by the (CIDCO), a state-owned entity formed in 1970 to plan and develop as a to alleviate 's overcrowding and infrastructure strain. As the first node in this planned urban extension spanning 344 square kilometers, Vashi was prioritized for its proximity to across and its predominantly marshy terrain, which required extensive preparation for settlement. This development faced resistance, including protests in 1972 by local villagers seeking better compensation and employment opportunities. Development in the 1970s focused on from 's marshy fringes, where CIDCO employed the Dutch technique—using dikes and pumps to drain and consolidate waterlogged soil—transforming approximately 50-60% of the area's wetlands into usable plots for urban use. This phase laid the groundwork for , including the completion of the Bridge in 1973, which provided essential connectivity to Mumbai's suburb and enabled the relocation of initial residents. Early efforts emphasized balanced , allocating space for residential, commercial, and green areas to foster self-sustaining growth. The marked the onset of residential plotting, with CIDCO undertaking large-scale projects that peaked in volume within Vashi, producing high-density apartments and low-rise units subsidized through cross-financing from higher-income developments. However, the node's low-lying geography and ongoing wetland reduction posed significant challenges, including recurrent flooding during monsoons that disrupted early settlements; these were mitigated by targeted drainage initiatives, such as improved stormwater channels and nullah reinforcements, which stabilized the area by the decade's end. Commercial expansion accelerated in the 1990s and , driven by India's 1991 , which attracted private investments and shifted focus from industrial to service-oriented activities, establishing Vashi as a key business hub with markets and offices. A pivotal milestone came in 1992, when the newly formed (NMMC) assumed administrative control of developed nodes like Vashi from CIDCO, enabling localized and further enhancements. By the early , these phases had solidified Vashi's role as a densely populated, integrated component of Navi Mumbai's urban fabric.

Geography and Climate

Location and Topography

Vashi is situated in , , , at approximately 19°04′48″N 72°59′60″E, forming a key residential and commercial node within the planned urban development of the region. The area encompasses approximately 9 square kilometers of land, much of which was reclaimed from coastal wetlands to support structured urban growth. Geographically, Vashi is bordered by to the east, Turbhe to the north, Sanpada to the south, and the city of to the west across the creek, positioning it as a strategic eastern extension of the Mumbai metropolitan area. The consists primarily of flat, reclaimed with elevations generally below 10 meters above , creating a low-lying landscape that facilitates organized sectoral planning but also exposes it to coastal influences. This flat profile, combined with its proximity to Vashi Creek—a branch of —and surrounding forests, has shaped the urban layout into 30 distinct sectors numbered from 1 to 30, promoting a grid-like division for residential, commercial, and institutional uses. Environmentally, Vashi plays a significant role in the creek ecosystem, supporting habitats that provide coastal protection and corridors, while its location near the buffer zones of protected areas like contributes to regional ecological connectivity. Recent restoration efforts have reclaimed over 4 hectares of land in the area, underscoring its importance in mitigating urban encroachment on sensitive wetlands.

Climate

Vashi experiences a classified under the Köppen system as Am, characterized by high temperatures year-round and a pronounced . The average annual temperature is approximately 27°C (81°F), with summer months from to May seeing highs reaching up to 35°C due to intense heat and humidity. In contrast, the winter period from to brings milder conditions, with lows around 19°C, providing a brief respite from the tropical warmth. The season dominates from to , delivering heavy rainfall averaging 2,300 mm annually, which sustains the region's lush but also results in high levels often exceeding 80% and occasional flooding in creek areas. This pattern is influenced by the southwest winds, leading to waterlogging in low-lying zones despite Vashi's planned urban drainage systems. The post- transition in and typically sees clearer skies and moderate temperatures around 25-30°C. Air quality in Vashi remains moderate on an annual basis as of 2025, with an (AQI) generally ranging from 100 to 150, primarily due to pollutants from nearby industrial areas such as emissions from Thane-Belapur Road factories. However, the area's green cover, including s and urban parks, helps mitigate particulate matter levels, keeping PM2.5 concentrations below severe thresholds most of the year. poses significant threats to Vashi, particularly through rising sea levels that endanger creek-adjacent areas and exacerbate erosion along the waterfront. In response, efforts in the 2020s have included projects, such as the successful revival of a four-hectare buried patch in Vashi in early 2025, aimed at enhancing coastal resilience and . These initiatives, led by local environmental agencies, underscore the importance of ecological buffers in countering inundation risks projected to intensify by mid-century.

Demographics

Population Statistics

Vashi, as part of , had an estimated population of approximately 210,000 in the Vashi node as per the . Projections suggest growth to around 276,000 by 2020, though these are unofficial estimates due to the delay of India's 2021 census. The area has a of approximately 13,000 persons per square kilometer as of , reflecting its dense urban development. The gender ratio in Vashi is estimated at 1,147 males per 1,000 females based on 2020 projections, with a male skew typical of migrant-influenced areas. Between 2001 and 2011, experienced an annual rate of about 4.8%, driven by migration from for housing and jobs. Age distribution for (2011) shows children aged 0-6 comprising 11.6% of the population, with broader working-age demographics aligning with urban trends.

Socioeconomic Profile

Navi Mumbai, including Vashi, has a literacy rate of 89.6% as per the 2011 census, exceeding Maharashtra's average of 82.3%, with male literacy at 92.6% and female at 86.0%. Linguistic composition in (2011 census) features Marathi as the primary language at 61.7%, followed by at 23.2% and Gujarati at 3.8%, with other languages making up the rest, reflecting its cosmopolitan nature. Vashi benefits from Navi Mumbai's stable social environment, including relatively low crime rates and diverse migrant communities from across India. Homeownership rates are estimated around 55% in the area. Note: Demographic data is primarily from the 2011 Indian Census, as the 2021 census has been delayed.

Economy

Key Sectors

Vashi's economy is predominantly driven by retail and commercial activities through extensive malls, shopping centers, and local shops. The IT and services sector plays a vital role, with significant spillover effects from adjacent IT hubs such as , fostering growth in , BPOs, and consulting services; this sector has benefited from India's broader IT industry expansion at a CAGR of over 8% from 2015 to 2025. Hospitality and contribute to economic activity, enhanced by Vashi's strategic proximity to and the influx of events, conferences, and leisure visitors. Real estate remains a key pillar, propelled by strong residential demand amid ; average property prices in 2025 range from ₹15,000 to ₹20,000 per , reflecting steady appreciation in this sector. and warehousing have emerged as growing sectors in 2025, driven by enhanced connectivity via the and metro expansions, with warehousing demand surging across the metropolitan area. Vashi's job market is robust, supported by these diverse sectors.

Major Markets and Businesses

Vashi's commercial landscape is anchored by the (APMC) market in Turbhe, established in the late as a major wholesale hub for agricultural commodities. Spanning approximately 70-122 hectares, it serves as the primary entry point for foodgrains, vegetables, fruits, spices, and flowers supplying and surrounding regions, with daily arrivals exceeding 1,800 tonnes of vegetables alone and overall volumes reaching up to 12,000 tonnes of agri-commodities. Often regarded as one of Asia's largest such markets, it facilitates auctions and trade for thousands of vendors, supporting the region's food since its development by the (CIDCO) in 1979-80. Sector 17 stands out as Vashi's vibrant retail epicenter, often dubbed its "," featuring a mix of apparel shops, outlets, and stalls that draw local shoppers and visitors. This bustling area includes complexes like Vashi Plaza and Arenja Corner, where vendors offer everything from clothing and gadgets to quick bites, fostering a lively atmosphere amid easy access to . Business activity thrives in Sectors 15 and 19, which host numerous offices for and shipping firms, capitalizing on Vashi's proximity to ports and highways. Companies such as Express, SWAREX Logistics, and Align Shipping maintain operations here, supporting freight forwarding and goods transport. Complementing these districts, Raghuleela Mall, opened in the early , has long served as a key retail anchor with its 375,000 square feet of housing shops, entertainment, and dining options, though it faces redevelopment plans as of 2025. In 2025, Vashi has seen an influx of warehouses, driven by enhanced connectivity via the and metro expansions, boosting leasing in industrial segments by double digits across the Mumbai . This growth underscores Vashi's role in the expanding ecosystem, with warehousing demand surging 42% year-over-year in the first half of the year.

Transport

Road Connectivity

Vashi's road connectivity is anchored by the , a toll bridge opened in 1972 that spans approximately 1.8 km across , linking the area directly to in and facilitating access to . This connection supports efficient vehicular movement, with drives to central typically taking around 20 minutes under optimal conditions, aided by complementary infrastructure like the . Palm Beach Road serves as a primary arterial route in Vashi, stretching about 10 km and featuring six lanes to connect the node to other parts of , including Belapur and . Originally developed as part of the planned urban framework in the , the road has supported growing commercial and residential traffic, enhancing inter-nodal mobility. The New Vashi Creek Bridge, completed in early 2025, parallels the original structure and adds six dedicated lanes, expanding total capacity to 12 lanes across the creek. This upgrade addresses longstanding bottlenecks on the Sion-Panvel Highway, where daily traffic exceeds 60,000 vehicles, and is projected to alleviate congestion by up to 40% through improved flow and reduced wait times at tolls. Internally, Vashi's road network follows a grid-based sector , with major avenues reaching widths of 60 meters to promote orderly circulation and accommodate high volumes of local traffic. The sectors support the area's commercial vibrancy while integrating with broader regional links.

Rail and Metro

Vashi Railway Station serves as a key terminal on the Harbour Line of the , operated by Central Railway, facilitating connectivity for commuters in . The station handles over 200 local trains daily, providing frequent services to Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) in , with journey times averaging 45-50 minutes, and to via the Trans-Harbour Line. Emerging metro connectivity in Vashi is supported through integration with the Line 1, which became operational on November 17, 2023, covering an 11.1 km elevated route from to Pendhar with 11 stations and trains operating at 15-20 minute frequencies during peak hours. Although Vashi does not yet have a dedicated , local rail services enable quick access to the Belapur metro terminus, just two stops away on the Harbour Line, enhancing multimodal transit options for residents. The combined rail and metro infrastructure supports over 100,000 daily commuters at Vashi station as of 2025, reflecting a notable increase attributed to the 's launch and improved regional links. Future developments include Phase 2 of Line 1, extending the route toward (NMIA) by 2027; NMIA was inaugurated on October 8, 2025, with commercial operations commencing on December 25, 2025, which will further bolster connectivity from Vashi via existing rail interchanges. Additionally, proposed lines such as Line 8 (Gold Line) are planned to include a Vashi station, directly linking to Mumbai's airports by 2029.

Education

Schools

Vashi, a prominent node in , hosts a diverse array of primary and secondary schools that play a vital role in the local landscape, catering primarily to students from nursery through grade 12. These institutions emphasize English-medium instruction and integrate extracurricular activities such as sports, arts, and skill-based programs to foster holistic development. One of the key institutions is Fr. Agnel Multipurpose School, established in 1982 and affiliated with the State Board of Secondary and Higher Secondary Education, serving approximately 4,800 students across its campuses in Sector 9A. The school focuses on comprehensive , including academics, technical streams, and co-curricular activities, under the management of the Agnel Ashram Fathers. IES High School, founded on November 5, 1973, and managed by the Indian Education Society since 1977, is recognized as one of the earliest schools in , located in Sector 1. It offers education up to secondary level with a strong emphasis on and overall academic growth, accommodating hundreds of students in a co-educational setting. High School, established in 2009 under the Manjara Charitable Trust and affiliated with the Council for the Indian School Certificate Examinations (CISCE) for its ICSE , is situated in Sector 29 and promotes , , and through a balanced program that includes academics and extracurriculars. Other notable schools include St. Lawrence High School, established in 1987 in Sector 16A and affiliated with the State Board, which provides quality with a focus on overall student growth in a co-educational environment. Avalon Heights , founded in 1998 in Sector 19B, follows the ICSE curriculum alongside (IB) programs, emphasizing holistic and skill-based learning for over 1,200 students. Additionally, Anchorwala Education Academy, established in 1999 in Sector 14 and affiliated with CISCE (ICSE), combines traditional values with modern for students aged 3 to 18, highlighting academic, creative, and physical development. As of 2025, Vashi is home to over 47 primary and secondary schools, serving a diverse with a strong emphasis on and extracurricular opportunities like sports and arts to support well-rounded development. These schools collectively enroll thousands of , contributing to the area's educational vibrancy. Most schools are concentrated in sectors such as 1, 9, 14, 16, 19, and 29, ensuring accessibility for families from varied socioeconomic backgrounds across Vashi and nearby areas through proximity to residential zones and .

Higher Education

Vashi serves as a hub for higher education in Navi Mumbai, with institutions emphasizing undergraduate and specialized programs in commerce, management, information technology, and maritime studies. Local colleges cater to a diverse student body, drawing from the area's growing urban population and providing accessible tertiary education options affiliated primarily with the University of Mumbai. A prominent institution is the Bunts Institute for Higher Education (BIHE), established in 2007 and located in nearby Juinagar Sector 24, offering undergraduate degrees such as B.Com (Bachelor of Commerce) and BMS (Bachelor of Management Studies, equivalent to BBA). The institute focuses on commerce and management curricula, preparing students for careers in business and finance through a curriculum that includes accounting, economics, and organizational behavior. Nearby in Sector 19 of Vashi, the College of Maritime Studies provides specialized training in nautical sciences, established in 2002. The broader (IMU) Campus in adjacent offers programs like B.Sc in Nautical Science, emphasizing , , and maritime law for aspiring professionals in the shipping industry. Vashi residents also benefit from proximity to Dr. D. Y. Patil University’s campus in , reachable within a 10-minute drive via local roads or . The university provides comprehensive programs in (including MBBS) and (such as B.Tech in various specializations), supported by modern facilities and a faculty of over 1,200 members. Higher education in Vashi prioritizes commerce, IT, and streams, with institutions like Karmaveer (KBP) College enrolling more than 7,000 students across these fields. Fr. C. Rodrigues Institute of Technology further bolsters IT education with degrees in and . Post-2020, Vashi has seen the emergence of new vocational centers to enhance skill training, including courses in digital skills and professional certifications aligned with industry needs. These developments support workforce readiness amid regional economic growth, integrating practical training with traditional degree programs.

Culture and Society

Festivals and Events

Vashi, a vibrant node in Navi Mumbai, hosts several major cultural festivals that reflect its diverse community, with Ganesh Chaturthi standing out as one of the most prominent celebrations. The Sarvajanik Ganesh Utsav Mandal in Sector 17, established in 1984 by local resident Sampat Shewale and his family after relocating from Mumbai, organizes a grand 10-day event that draws thousands of devotees daily to its iconic pandal. The pandal features elaborate decorations, such as a majestic palace replica in 2025, and promotes eco-friendly practices, including immersions of clay idols in Vashi Creek to minimize environmental impact, in line with Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation guidelines. Durga Puja, a key for Vashi's Bengali community, is led by the Navi Mumbai Bengali Association (NMBA), founded in 1980 as a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving Bengali heritage. In 2025, NMBA marked its 46th year of the event with a five-day celebration from September 28 to October 2 at the air-conditioned CIDCO Exhibition Centre near Vashi Sector 16, featuring traditional rituals, decorations, and cultural programs that foster community unity. The Vashi Cultural Association, established in 2005, also contributes to these festivities, hosting its 19th in recent years with a focus on intergenerational participation and recognition as the Best Durgotsav in 2016 by the . Other notable events include Navratri garba celebrations in Sector 9, organized by the Jai Bhavani Sarvajanik Mandal since 1994, which attract participants for traditional dances and dandiya nights amid festive pandals. Diwali brings bustling markets in areas like Sector 9's mini market, offering affordable garba outfits, decorations, and sweets to mark the festival of lights. The annual Indian Music Conference, launched in the late 2010s and reaching its sixth edition by 2023, hosts two-day events in Vashi featuring Hindustani and Carnatic classical performances by renowned artists, promoting the appreciation of Indian musical traditions. In 2025, the Sector 17 Ganesh Utsav's 42nd year saw record crowds, with the 12-foot GajaRaja idol drawing devotees from across despite typical festival challenges like heavy footfall during aartis.

Koli Community Traditions

As a former fishing hamlet of the indigenous Koli community, Vashi retains elements of Koli culture, particularly in festivals tied to the sea. Narali Purnima, celebrated on the full moon of Shravan (typically ), marks the end of the fishing ban with offerings of coconuts to , the sea god, accompanied by traditional folk songs, dances, and seafood feasts. This festival underscores the Kolis' historical reliance on and their reverence for marine life.

Community Organizations

The Vashi Cultural Association, founded in 2005, is a prominent community group dedicated to preserving and promoting Bengali cultural and social values in . It organizes cultural activities, including the annual celebration, to foster a sense of heritage and community among residents, creating a welcoming atmosphere reminiscent of traditional Bengali festivities outside . The Sarvajanik Ganesh Utsav Mandal in Sector 17, established around 1984, manages one of Vashi's iconic Ganesh festivals, known as Navsala Pavnara Maharaja, which draws large crowds with grand installations and processions marking its 40th year in 2024. This organization contributes to community cohesion through its festival management while engaging in broader social initiatives typical of such mandals in the region. Other notable groups include the Lions Club of New Bombay Vashi, which focuses on community service projects such as vision screenings, youth programs, and disaster relief efforts in line with Lions Clubs International's global mandate. Additionally, resident welfare associations (RWAs) in sectors 15-20, such as the RWA Sector 15, handle local governance matters including maintenance, security, and resident support to enhance neighborhood living standards. Vashi hosts over 20 active NGOs that support migrants and education, exemplified by the Sacred Light Foundation's programs for underprivileged migrant children's educational activities and SHAKTII's after-school initiatives for girls from disadvantaged backgrounds. These organizations, alongside community policing efforts like Police's Beat Marshals program, contribute to Vashi's reputation for low crime rates and enhanced public safety through resident engagement and proactive measures.

Notable Landmarks and Infrastructure

Commercial and Recreational Sites

Vashi serves as a prominent commercial hub in , featuring several key shopping destinations that cater to diverse consumer needs. The , located in Sector 30A, opened in 2008 and spans approximately 508,000 square feet of gross leasable area, housing over 130 stores that include international brands, apparel outlets, and entertainment options such as a multiplex and gaming zones. Raghuleela Mall, situated opposite , was established in the early 2000s and covers 375,000 square feet across four stories, emphasizing family-oriented shopping with a focus on local and international retail, alongside an INOX multiplex for cinematic experiences; however, as of late 2025, the mall has been slated for demolition to make way for a premium mixed-use redevelopment by the Wadhwa Group. Recreational spaces in Vashi provide opportunities for and outdoor activities, enhancing the area's appeal as a balanced urban locale. The proposed along Vashi Creek is part of recent eco-tourism initiatives in the and would feature a through restored ecosystems spanning several hectares, promoting environmental awareness and nature walks amid the creek's ; environmental groups have advocated for its development following a 2025 restoration project by the Maharashtra Forest Department that cleared buried mangroves over four hectares. The Sports Association park in Sector 1A offers extensive sports facilities including courts, a , courts, grounds, and a FIFA-standard football field, serving as a hub for fitness and events since its establishment in the area's early development phases. Beyond enclosed malls, Vashi Plaza in Sector 17 stands out as a vibrant open-air market for street shopping, specializing in affordable , mobile accessories, , and computer parts, drawing crowds for its bustling atmosphere and proximity to transport links. The partial operationalization of Line 1 in 2023 has improved accessibility and spurred the addition of new entertainment zones like expanded gaming arcades within existing malls. These developments have positioned Vashi as a dynamic destination for retail and leisure, integrating commercial vibrancy with green spaces.

Utilities and Services

Vashi benefits from a robust healthcare infrastructure, anchored by the Fortis Hiranandani Hospital, a multi-specialty tertiary care facility established in 2007 with over 150 beds and advanced equipment for specialties including , orthopedics, and . Complementing this are sector-based clinics under the (NMMC), such as the NMMC Zonal Hospital in Sector 10A, which provides accessible primary and emergency care to residents across the node's diverse population. Essential utilities in Vashi are managed primarily by the (CIDCO) and NMMC, ensuring reliable provision of water, electricity, and waste services. Water supply is sourced from the , with CIDCO overseeing distribution to nodes including Vashi; the dam's total capacity supports approximately 450 million liters per day (MLD), of which around 402 MLD is allocated to NMMC areas, addressing the growing demand through ongoing augmentation projects. Electricity is provided 24/7 by the Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company Limited (MSEDCL), with minimal disruptions reported in recent assessments, supporting the area's residential and commercial needs. Waste management emphasizes segregation and processing, with NMMC initiatives like the Dry Waste Bank promoting through community education and collection drives in sectors including Vashi. Other services enhance daily life, including widespread coverage from providers like JioFiber and Airtel Xstream, offering high-speed plans starting at 40 Mbps for homes and businesses throughout Vashi. Public libraries, such as the NMMC facility in Sector 7 and additional reading centers in Sector 15, provide free access to and study spaces for residents. As of 2025, Vashi is integrating measures under CIDCO and state initiatives, including installations in public buildings and housing projects to promote sustainability and reduce grid reliance.

References

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