| Vidyavihar is a suburb of Mumbai. It has a railway station with the same name on the Mumbai suburban railway on the Central Railway line.
Vidyavihar is named due to the Somaiya Vidyavihar Campus, one of the largest education campuses in Mumbai and a landmark. The railway station was established to facilitate travel for students of Somaiya Vidyavihar. Vidyavihar station is about 2K.M. from Kurla Terminus, and an easy transfer point (however, it does not have a connecting railway).
VidyaVihar is divided into two parts , Rajawadi in Kirol east and Kirol in Kirol west.
Rajawadi is located on the eastern side of Vidyavihar railway station which came in to existence in 1963. Before that, the nearest station was Ghatkopar which was 20 minutes walking distance from Rajawadi.
In early 1950s till early 1960s the main mode of transport to Rajawadi was Tongas and Taxis (available in few numbers at Ghatkopar railway station). Bus No 381 from Ghatkopar to Refineries ( Chembur ) was also available which halted at Rajawadi bus stop at Ghatkopar Mahul Road.
Somaiya College ( set up by the K J Somaiya Trust in early 1960s) was a major step in giving recognizion to Rajawadi / Vidyavihar as a major education centre which it is today. The other most famous landmark is the Rajawadi Municipal General Hospital. The green and well maintained Rajawadi Municipal Garden is close by.
Coming to Vidyavihar(West),popularly known as Kirol, one can come across history related to the one of the original inhabitants of the Island called Bombay.
The East Indian community Again into fishing, the East Indians who are who migrated from Bassein and the neighbouring villages to habitats outside the seven islands, Chimbai, Chuim, Vakola, Kalina, Versova, Orlem, Marol and Kirol. The last named village is related to Vidyavihar. Just beyond the railway lines on the west side.
The bus depot located on the western side of the railway station provides feeder services as well as alternate travel routes to other suburbs of Mumbai.
The Kirol village has acquired a cosmopolitan nature as it has opened up to new comers. The village which was the focal point is slowly losing its old rustic charm due to major development of plush residential complexes.
|