Sion, Bombay

Sion ( /ˈsaːjən/; IAST: ''Śīv'' �iːʋ is a neighbourhood of Mumbai, Maharashtra, India. In the 17th century the village formed the boundary between Mumbai and Salsette Island. It marks the boundary between the city and its suburbs and holds historical significance due to its strategic location. The name remained even after Mumbai was joined to the Salsette and extended up to Mulund. Sion is known for its blend of residential, commercial, and industrial developments and offers excellent connectivity to various parts of Mumbai. One of the local historical places in Sion is a hilltop garden commonly known as Sion Fort or Sheevon Killa in the Marathi language.

Geography and Location

Sion is situated in the central part of Mumbai and serves as a gateway between South Mumbai and the Mumbai Suburbs. It is bordered by Matunga to the south, Dharavi to the west, Kurla to the north, and Chembur to the east. The locality enjoys excellent connectivity, making it an important transit point in the city.

History

The name "Sion" is derived from the Marathi word "Sheev," which means boundary, as it marked the northern limits of Mumbai during the British colonial era. The area has evolved from a historic outpost into a densely populated urban locality, hosting diverse communities and cultural landmarks.In 1543, the Portuguese took possession of the largely uninhabited islands of Bombay, naming it Sião, after a biblical hill in Israel. The Portuguese gave the Jesuit priests the sole ownership of some of these islands. The Jesuits then built a chapel on the hill near the present-day railway station and named it after Mount Zion (Sion) in Jerusalem.

Notable Landmarks

Sion Fort

A relic from the British era, Sion Fort was built in the 17th century by the British East India Company. The fort, though in ruins, offers panoramic views of Mumbai and serves as a historical reminder of the city's colonial past.

Our Lady of Good Counsel Church

A prominent church in Sion, this structure has been serving the local Christian community since the early 20th century.

Sion Talao (Sion Pond)

Once an important water source, Sion Talao is a historic pond surrounded by temples and religious sites. Though modern development has impacted its prominence, it remains a notable landmark.

Lokmanya Tilak Municipal General Hospital (Sion Hospital)

One of Mumbai’s most well-known public hospitals, Sion Hospital provides medical care to thousands of patients daily and serves as a major teaching hospital.

Dharavi

Located close to Sion, Dharavi is one of Asia’s largest slums and a major economic hub, known for its thriving small-scale industries in leather, pottery, textiles, and recycling.

Economy and Development

Sion is home to several commercial establishments, educational institutions, and healthcare facilities. It has seen major redevelopment projects, with older buildings being replaced by modern residential complexes and commercial spaces.

Transportation

Sion is well-connected through various modes of transportation, making commuting easy for residents and visitors.

Suburban Railways

* Sion Railway Station is a major stop on the Central Line of the Mumbai Suburban Railway, offering easy connectivity to South Mumbai, Thane, and Navi Mumbai.
* Nearby Matunga Station (on the Western Line) provides alternative transit options.

Metro

* The upcoming Mumbai Metro Line 3 (Colaba-Bandra-SEEPZ) will improve connectivity to business hubs and suburban regions.

Monorail

* The Mumbai Monorail (Line 1) passes close to Sion, with GTB Nagar Station being the nearest stop, providing connectivity towards Chembur and Wadala.

Roadways and Highways

* Eastern Express Highway (EEH) runs through Sion, offering direct access to Thane, Mulund, and South Mumbai.
* Sion-Panvel Expressway connects the locality to Navi Mumbai and further towards Pune.
* Dr. Ambedkar Road and LBS Road provide arterial connectivity to the city’s interior regions.

Public Transport

* BEST Buses serve the locality, with multiple routes connecting Sion to different parts of Mumbai.
* Auto-rickshaws and taxis are easily available for short and long-distance travel.

Redevelopment and Future Prospects

Sion is witnessing increasing redevelopment efforts, with old housing societies being transformed into high-rise residential complexes. Infrastructure projects, including metro expansions and road widening initiatives, are expected to further enhance the locality’s livability.

Education

Sion is also a home to many educational institutes, including:
* Ayurved College Sion
* K. J. Somaiya Institute Of Engineering & Information Technology
* Shiv Shikshan Sanstha's School (Eng. Med.)
* SIES College of Commerce and Economics
* SIES College of Arts, Science, and Commerce
* Padmabhushan Vasantdada Patil Pratishthan's College of Engineering
* K. J. Somaiya Medical College & Research Centre.
* Lokmanya Tilak Municipal Medical College and General Hospital
* Our Lady Of Good Counsel High School

Notable former residents

* Mithun Chakraborthy
* Sadhana
* Boney Kapoor
* Akshay Kumar
* Johnny Lever
* K.N.Singh

See also

* K. J. Somaiya Institute Of Engineering & Information Technology
* Sion Fort
* Our Lady of Good Counsel High School, Mumbai

References

{{Mumbai metropolitan area

Suburbs of Mumbai
Mumbai City district