Nearly half lives beyond Vile Parle in the west and Old Kurla in the east. The centre of density of population has shifted from the island city well into suburban Salsette. Though it is still the main movement, movement in opposite direction is substantial and is gaining in strength, thanks to industrial jobs in the suburbs. East-west cross flows within the suburbs and beyond, into and out of Vashi and further outwards are also increasing. It is therefore not surprising that two-thirds of the BEST bus service is now focussed on the suburbs of Salsette, Trombay and beyond.
Real estate is more active in the distant suburbs than in the city.
Urban renewal is no more confined to the city. South Mumbai colleges and schools are concerned about falling numbers of students. Few of the residents of the suburbs today seek the markets and shopping arcades of South Mumbai or Dadar. The suburbs have become increasingly self-supporting, in terms of their needs of shopping, education and medical amenities and entertainment. Only civic amenities and infrastructurelag behind.