Mumbai, Dec 24:- “At a time when Mumbai is undergoing a critical phase of transformation, the role of the BMC in strengthening infrastructure and ensuring the provision of basic services is vital to improving housing affordability,” said Dr Bhushan Gagrani  the Commissioner of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation  commenting on the city’s rapidly shifting skyline.

Speaking at the Dawoodi Bohra community’s Saifee Burhani Expo, the Commissioner emphasised that the metropolis stands at a pivotal juncture. “With concerted efforts across both public and private sectors, the city’s future holds immense promise,” he added.

These remarks set the tone for ‘Construction 360,’ a three-day trade expo and conference held at the Bombay Exhibition Centre from December 19th. Organised by the Economic Development Department of Dawoodi Bohras, the event convened developers, architects, interior designers, urban planners, traders, businessmen and policymakers against the backdrop of an infrastructure boom that includes new urban development projects, metro corridors and major coastal road networks.

While the event focused on the future, the Commissioner highlighted the community’s established track record in architecture and civic infrastructure.

“The Dawoodi Bohra community has consistently been at the forefront of innovation, implementing progressive schemes that strengthen the city’s infrastructure,” the Commissioner said. “The Bhendi Bazaar Redevelopment Project, in particular, stands out as a pioneering cluster development initiative focused on robust infrastructure and affordable housing, setting a benchmark for future developments.”

The expo, which featured over 120 exhibitors from India and abroad, served as a tangible extension of that ethos. Thousands of attendees navigated displays spanning architectural materials, the latest in modular furniture, interior decor products, building materials, seismic-resistant materials, energy-efficient technologies, and modern planning systems. For many, the floor served as a working platform where introductions translated into collaborations aligned with India’s development needs. The power-packed three-day conference highlighted topics like India’s Infrastructure Pathway to 2047; AI, BIM & IoT in Digital Construction; Heritage Revitalisation & Adaptive Reuse; Women, Skills & Automation in Construction and much more.

“I commend the Saifee Burhani Expo for creating a forward-looking platform that showcases innovative construction practices and sustainable urban planning,” the Commissioner noted, reinforcing the necessity of such forums in a dense urban environment.

Connecting Commerce and Community

The event marked the Dawoodi Bohras’ second major trade gathering in Maharashtra this year, following an earlier edition in Pune. Inaugurated by Rahul Narwekar, Speaker of the Maharashtra Vidhan Sabha, the exhibition underscored the community’s intent to continue to add value to India’s urban narrative.

This engagement is not new. For over a century, Dawoodi Bohra traders have been integral to building supply chains around Mumbai’s historic Fort, Crawford Market and Lohar Chawl areas.

“This expo reflects a long partnership,” said Taikhoom Mohiyuddin, Head of the community’s Economic Development Department. “Our community grew with Mumbai. Today, our entrepreneurs are part of the next phase of development, with a strong commitment to ethics, quality and responsible growth.”

A Focus on Sustainability

A recurring theme throughout the three days was the Saifee Burhani Upliftment Project in Bhendi Bazaar. Cited frequently by visitors as a live case study, the project offers a reference point for how cluster redevelopment can achieve affordable housing without sacrificing urban discipline.

Sustainability was also a key driver of the conversation. The special green innovation zone was a pioneering attempt at showcasing some key products from innovations in the construction and design industry including InnoStrucTech, Pidilite & WalAce, Rockwool, ProMat and many more. Industry leaders, including Keval Valambhia, COO, Maharashtra Chamber of Housing Industry (MCHI); Jimmy Mistry, Chairman, Della Group; Dr. Mala Singh, Chairperson IGBC (CII) Mumbai Chapter, Chairperson & MD, PEC Greening India; Vishal Thakkar, Partner, Prem Group and Joint Secretary, NAREDCO Maharashtra, described the expo as a valuable initiative for bringing the construction ecosystem together while maintaining a focus on environmental responsibility.

As the event concluded, the consensus among participants was that the expo offered more than just a display of materials. In a city undergoing one of its most significant phases of physical change, it provided a meeting point between vision and execution, quietly but strongly, contributing to the conversations that will shape Mumbai’s future.