Jalahalli, still a green haven

LOCALITY FOCUS : The scope for residential development is high in Jalahalli, writes Ruth Dsouza Prabhu.

Bangalore has some beautiful sectors and one of them is a wonderful pocket called Jalahalli between NH 7 and NH 4, which is basically the Tumkur and Bellary highways.

Located in the northern quadrant of Bangalore, it is by far one of the greenest areas to live in right now. It is split into Jalahalli East and Jalahalli West. What connects the two areas is Gangamma Circle which also brings together Jalahalli Village and Cross.

Real estate is constantly under scrutiny here and a number of areas are being tapped for the opportunity they present.

Mahesh Khaitan, Head of Sattva Real Estate Solutions, Market Research Wing says, “Most of the available area in Jalahalli has been taken up by the Defence sector but there is increased importance being given to connectivity projects which will make Jalahalli even more accessible to the main City, thereby increasing its potential.”

The eastern part of Jalahalli was home to several industry majors such as the BEL, HMT, CMTI and other public sector units. A number of privately held industries also had their outlets located here. The Jalahalli East Air Force station finds a place between Gangamma Circle and MS Palya which further goes on to connect to Vidyaranyapura. Vijay Murugan, Manager, Residential Services, Jones Lang LaSalle India says, “The USP of Jalahalli has always been its natural ambience, its  greenery, etc .

Geographically, more than 70 per cent of the land belongs to HMT factory and the defence set-up, which helped to retain the greenery for so long. Prices for homes are in the affordable segment range between Rs 25 lakh and Rs 40 lakh. Since Jalahalli is closer to the Peenya Industrial area, the majority takers will be of the blue collared profile.”

T M Sateesh, Managing Director, Hoysala Builders says, “When the HMT factory shut down, it sold the land of several units to private developers. Thanks to this, there are a number of properties that have come up in this area.” For the area, the tallest structure is probably by Tata Housing and will stand at 33 floors, he adds.

Jalahalli West is primarily a residential area. “One can enter the Jalahalli area via Cox Town and Banaswadi which is effectively around four-five km away. These are high-density areas with narrow roads leading to Jalahalli.

However, once you are there, you will find that the internal roads of Jalahalli are of good quality and amply wide. The standard of living here, explains Mahesh is rather nice, with large open spaces being available in between houses,” says Mahesh Khaitan.

From the commercial and retail aspect, Vijay explains, “Jalahalli Cross is the nearest commercial hub for the area and there is no organised retail or commercial buildings that have been constructed yet. Some brands did try constructing a commercial building near the HMT factory, however the response is to be ascertained.”

Infrastructure is rather good in the area with connectivity being worked on. Water availability at the ground level is great. Thanks to the arrival of the international airport, more attention is being paid to Jalahalli and its development.

Several apartment complexes of numerous brands are coming up in the surrounding pockets to make space for the floating population that seems to have come in. The hustle and bustle of the CBD area is yet to affect this part of town.