Sowmya Rajaram / Mid-Day

Mumbai, May 20: Plans to extend the Carter Road promenade may just get a fillip if Bandstand resident, Shah Rukh Khan, agrees to fund and sponsor a part of the cost for upgrading the seaface opposite his former residence.

The YMCA and 2nd Cross Carter Road ALM, under the aegis of the Bandra West Residents Association (BWRA), has been working towards extending the existing promenade for one kilometre, up to the Maharashtra Maritime Board office, for a few months now.

Meanwhile, project coordinator and active ALM member, Jawahar Thadani, has approached Khan, MP Priya Dutt, and builder Sameer Bhojwani, to help with funding, and for getting the construction proposal passed quickly, with the necessary permits.

On April 22, Thadani, Khan’s former neighbour at Amrit building, Carter Road, sent letters to Shah Rukh’s office, accompanied by a sketch of the proposed extension.

The letter also outlines the ALM’s plans to build a senior citizens’ park, a children’s park and a pay-and-use public toilet along the extended promenade.

Architect and civic planner P K Das, who is currently involved with the Juhu Beautification project, will execute the promenade extension as well.

Old neighbours

“I thought of approaching him because he is my former neighbour, and I know him personally. I hoped he would be interested in the upgradation of the area around his former residence,” says Thadani.

He adds that since the star was out of the country, he had been unable to meet him, but had dropped off the letter at his office.

Budget: Rs 1.5 crore

Estimating the cost of the project at around Rs 1 crore, Thadani says, “We are hoping to generate around Rs 1.5 crore. We want to use the surplus Rs 50 lakh for maintenance, security and daily expenses, once the promenade is extended.”

SRK’s involvement

Khan’s secretary says their office has received the letters. “I was approached by Thadani with the plan, map and outline of the project, and a request for sponsorship and help.

But since Shah Rukh is not in town at the moment, I cannot say anything about his involvement in the project. He will have to look at the details first,” she says.

Das also confirms his involvement in the project. “The design and philosophy of the extended promenade is mine. It will be done in keeping with the design and spirit of the existing promenade wall. Work will begin once funds are mobilised and all permits are granted,” he says.

Since the land needed for the extension belongs to the Maharashtra Maritime Board, the BWRA has approached authorities for the necessary permissions, so that work at the site could commence without delay.