REVIEW: Runwal Bliss

Overview

First things first, the project is in Kanjurmarg and not Powai as suggested in the mailer. It’s a 5 minute walk from Kanjurmarg station next to Lodha Aurum Grande’.

When it was first reported that Runwal had purchased the Crompton Greeves land parcel in Kanjurmarg we were in awe. Crompton Greaves, which had put up its land at LBS Marg in the eastern suburbs of Mumbai for sale, has reportedly sealed the deal with Mumbai-based builder Runwal Group for Rs 1,015 crore. Runwal Group pipped several other top real estate developers like Lodha, Oberoi Realty, Mahindra Lifespaces and Kalpataru Group that were vying for the 34-acre land parcel as per market sources.

Runwal has lot of stake in this area. They are working on Runwal Greens, Forest, Bliss and have acquired Johnson & Johnson land parcel as per market sources. They just cant afford to go wrong. 

So coming to the development lets see what is on offer:

• Proposed Development – 36 Acres 
• Phase I Development – 8 Acres
• 3 acres of greenery 6 high-rise towers
• Total Flats – 925 Approx
• 1200 Car Parking Space
• School Bus Stand
• Banyan Tree with Meditation Area
• Open Air Jacuzzi
• Swimming Pool
• Floral Garden
• Walking & Jogging Track – Multi-Connecting 300 mts ramp
• Dedicated Kids Play Area
• Rock Climbing
• Modern Club House – 12,000 Sq. Ft.
• Modern Gymnasium
• Badminton, Lawn Tennis Court and Squash Court

Location

Wonder why the developer wont want to mention Kanjurmarg as the address. By the looks of it Kanjurmarg is destined to develop as the hottest suburb of Mumbai. According to reports in HT, Kanjurmarg has been identified by the chief minister to grow in lines with Wadala and BKC(http://www.hindustantimes.com/mumbai/mumbai-5-upcoming-biz-hubs-will-rise-as-smart-cities/article1-1298385.aspx)

Located next to Lodha Aurum Grande, Runwal Bliss is close to the railway station, the Eastern Express highway and the JVLR. Connectivity is sorted. Apartments would offer you open views of the Vashi creek. Entertainment options include R City mall which is 6 km’s away and Hiranandani Powai which is approx. 4 km’s away. The location is very homely and peaceful. You are well connected yet away from the maddening crowd. What is desired is a school and hospital. Currently you are dependent on Vikhroli (Godrej school & Godrej hospital for your needs). There is an upcoming 7 star hotel which is again a welcome addition. Overall the location is a winner!

Plans

34 acres is a huge land parcel. The 8 acre plot in contention here as a part off the phase 1 development. There are 6 towers coming up from 25 to 34 stories each. 

  Tower 1: 1.5 Bhk 25 storey
  Tower 2: 2 Bhk 34 storey
  Tower 3: 2 Bhk 29 storey
  Tower 4: 3 Bhk 31 storey
  2 Level basement parking + 3 Level Podium Parking zone. 

Floor Plans

Coming to the floor plans the 1.5 BHK is a pure investment proposition. You are buying space not an apartment. The living rooms is just about 150 sqft. which is a let down. Bedrooms of size (approx. 110 sqft.) for sure wont suffice your needs. The good thing about the design is that there is enough privacy in the house. This would be a house best suited for bachelors or someone looking for a 1 BHK.

The 1 & 2 BHK’s comes with air conditioners, video door phones at entrance 11 feet floor-to-floor height, laminated wooden doors & vitrified flooring in living & bedrooms

The 2 BHK layouts though not grand are much better. A 220 sqft living dining space will ensure you can keep a 2 unit sofa, a 4 seater dining table comfortably. A separate dining space would have been preferred and the layout would have been cleaner if the width of the living space was more. The master bedroom is well sized, almost 150 sqft which is a positive. What is missing is the spacious duct space in the apartment. An apartment best suited for young managers with young families who are looking for an upgrade. 

These garden facing units are best laid out. You enter and there is an interesting seating zone created. The problem is the seating zone eats into your dining space. The apartment opens into the living room (a foyer is missing) which is large and in size and horizontal in shape which gives it the large expanse. The guest bedroom space and the living space are at opposite ends ensuring privacy. The master bedroom and the kids room are almost 150 sqft which is again a big positive. Overall the flat is good.

The 3 BHK AC apartments come with video door phones at entrance, 11 feet floor-to-floor height, Italian Marble in living room, wooden flooring in all master bedrooms, wide French windows & Home Automation system The apartments are loaded with amenities. They would be preferred by a family of 4.

What do we like

• The 3 BHK layout
• The amenities
• Overall development
• Location

What we dont like

• Developers past delivery (quality)
• High tension wire in the master plan
• 1.5 BHK layout

Final verdict

Quality is our only concern we hope Runwal delivers a good quality product. We would have preferred waiting for possession and making the purchase but the product offers promise, everything looks good on paper. Having said that do check for clearances & documentation before taking a final call.