Kharghar or Ulwe: Which Is Better for You?

Bestowed the title of a planned city, Navi Mumbai lies in the Konkan division of the Maharashtra district. The MMR city has witnessed exponential growth over the years, owing to its availability of land, proximity to Mumbai, robust infrastructure, and world-class social amenities. Home to over 1.5 crore residents, the city stretches over 108.6 sq. km. The real estate sector played a vital role in its rapid development, with a fleet of top-notch residential and commercial properties and many more to come. The current average price per sq foot stands at an estimated ₹8,988. 

Falling under the CIDCO administration, Navi Mumbai offers its residents some of the best social amenities, be it in terms of schools, colleges, medical centres, or recreational spaces. One of the city's iconic landmarks is the DY Patil Stadium, which hosts several IPL and ISL games. Speaking of some of the popular neighbourhoods in MMR, the top names that spring up are Kharghar and Ulwe. Hence, raising the question of which destination could serve all your needs, something we will help you explore via the following blog. 

1. Kharghar
Located on the northernmost tip of the Raigad district, Kharghar hosts a population of over 1.1 lakh residents, spreading over an area of 46.12 sq. km. Administered under the Panvel Municipal Corporation, the luxury locality has a 4.2% appreciation rate, with the average current price per sq foot being approximate ₹8,796. Let's look at contributing factors to the Navi Mumbai suburb’s increased housing demand. 

• Smooth connectivity

Strategically located alongside the Sion-Panvel highway helps to commute to Chembur and other parts of Mumbai. An efficient railway network, with CBD Belapur Railway Station, Kharghar railway station, Nerul LP,  and Navade road railway station, playing crucial junctions in connecting with other parts of Navi Mumbai. Line 1 of the Navi Mumbai Metro will be a bonus in the coming days. 

• Social Infrastructure

Kharghar is home to some of the finest educational institutions and healthcare centres, some of them being the following
Schools and Colleges: Ryan International School, Ryan Global School, Harmony International School, Bonny School, KPC English High School and Jr. College, and Harmony School and College.

Healthcare facilities: Saanvi Children's Hospital, Gayatri Gynac Clinic, Kalpataru Hospital & Maternity Clinic, Children's Hospital, and Polaris Hospital.
Recreational Spaces: K Mall, Ikea, Inorbit Mall, Inox, and Carnival Cinemas.

• Future developments

1. The multi-lane extension of the Sion-Panvel Highway, connecting to Mumbai-Pune Expressway, will ease the commute to Kharghar.
2. The six-lane coastal road stretching from the Belpada wetland to Nhava Sheva will increase connectivity between Kharghar and JNPA SEZ.
3. The proposed Corporate Business Park by CIDCO in Kharghar will help create further employment opportunities in the plush neighbourhood.
4. CIDCO has allocated funds to maintain and operate Central Park in Kharghar's Sector-23. 

2. Ulwe
A mid-segment locality in Navi Mumbai, Ulwe, lies close to Belapur and Nerul. The popular neighbourhood is developed and maintained by CIDCO and has a population of over 1.6 lakh residents, covering an area of 48.99 sq. km. Over the last five years, flats have had an appreciation growth rate of an estimated 21.1%. The current average price per sq foot stands ₹7,660, making the locality an attractive destination for investment, showing signs of high ROI in the future. 

• Connectivity

Ulwe is located alongside the NH-348A, offering connectivity to Mumbai city. Uran-Panvel Road and JNPT Road are some other viable options for commuting. Bamandogri railway station, Dapoli station, and Targhar station are great options for commuting to other parts of the city. With the Mumbai Trans-Harbour Link nearing completion, anticipation surrounds the upcoming Navi Mumbai International Airport.

• Social Infrastructure

Regarding Ulwe, the locality continues to up its game in building schools, colleges, and recreational centres, with some options being the following. 
Schools and Colleges: CP Goenka International School, Radcliffe School, Indian Modal School and Junior College, M.N. Mhatre Vidyalaya and T.N. Gharat Junior College of Science
Healthcare facilities: Anurag Nursing Home, Suyash Hospital, Doctor's Clinic, Dr. Sonawane's Hospital, and Army Medical Facility.
Recreational Centres: K Mall, Nexus Seawoods, Harware Mall, and Max Movies.

• Future developments

1. The highly anticipated Navi Mumbai International Airport.
2. The under-construction Metro Line 1 is 7km from the Belapur Metro Station.
3. The soon-to-be-completed Mumbai Trans Harbour Link will offer seamless connectivity between Navi Mumbai and Mumbai.
4. The under-construction Belapur-Uran Suburban Railway Corridor will have a station in the Gavhan area of Ulwe.

Final Thoughts
Navi Mumbai serves as the perfect destination for those wanting a break from the hustle and bustle of city life, such as that of Mumbai. The increasing housing demand is vital evidence of this, with localities like Kharghar and Ulwe leading the charge. 

Kharghar offers a more developed infrastructure with better connectivity and a higher number of amenities, while Ulwe offers more affordable housing options and a quieter, less crowded environment. Ultimately, the choice between Kharghar and Ulwe depends on individual preferences and priorities.