Shirish Patel, the visionary urban planner behind India’s first flyover at Kemp’s Corner in Mumbai, passed away on Friday at the age of 92 after a battle with cancer. While he has often been talked about less than he deserved, it’s time to shed light on his remarkable life and contributions.
Patel was an influential writer and speaker, often contributing to discussions on urban planning and urban density in the media. He played a key role in the formation of the Indian Institute for Human Settlements and was also a founding member of the Housing Development Finance Corporation (HDFC).
1930s – Early Life and Education
Shirish Patel was born in the 1930s in India. He grew up with a strong interest in architecture and urban planning, which eventually shaped his career path. After completing his education, he moved forward with a vision to modernize urban spaces in India.
1950s – Initial Steps into Urban Planning
After completing his studies, Patel began working in the field of urban planning. His early work involved understanding the challenges faced by rapidly growing cities, particularly Mumbai, which was struggling with congestion and limited infrastructure. His ambition to address these issues led him to explore innovative solutions for urban development.
1960s – Visionary Role in Navi Mumbai Development
In the 1960s, Patel played a crucial role in the conceptualization of Navi Mumbai, a planned satellite city designed to ease the pressure on Mumbai. His work involved not only designing the layout of the new city but also supervising the construction process. The project aimed to create a modern, sustainable city with better infrastructure and urban planning strategies.
1965 – Designing India’s First Flyover at Kemp’s Corner, Mumbai
In 1965, Shirish Patel became a pioneering figure in urban infrastructure by designing India’s first flyover at Kemp’s Corner in Mumbai. The flyover was a significant development that helped manage the city’s growing traffic congestion and set a precedent for future infrastructure projects across the country.
1970s – Contribution to Koyna Dam Construction
In addition to his urban planning projects, Patel was also involved in major infrastructure projects like the Koyna Dam in Maharashtra. The dam, which plays a critical role in hydroelectric power generation, benefited from Patel’s engineering and planning expertise. His work on the project demonstrated his ability to balance large-scale construction with sustainable planning.
1980s – Further Contributions to Urban Development
Throughout the 1980s, Shirish Patel continued to be a prominent figure in the planning and construction of various urban projects across Mumbai and other parts of India. His approach was always forward-thinking, focusing on improving the urban experience while maintaining the balance between development and heritage conservation.
1990s – Legacy and Continued Influence
In the 1990s, Patel’s work continued to influence the development of cities in India. His ideas on sustainable urban planning, modern infrastructure, and the preservation of historical buildings were incorporated into many new projects. He remained active in promoting better planning and architecture until his later years.
Shirish Patel continued to be respected in the field of urban planning until his passing on Friday at the age of 92, after a battle with cancer. His legacy as a visionary urban planner who designed India’s first flyover and contributed to the creation of Navi Mumbai remains influential in the country’s ongoing urban development.
Also Read: Shirish Patel Passes Away At 92, Man Who Designed India’s 1st Flyover And Develop Navi Mumbai
