Kirol
Vidyavihar station was originally named after the East Indian Village of Kirol near which it lay. Because Of the Large number of Educational Institutes that developed on its eastern side, the railways changed the name of the station to Vidyavihar in 1962. The members of the East Indian community were among original inhabitants of the Salsette Island.
The Our Lady of Fatima Church essentially forms the main point servicing the parishioners residing at Kirol Village and the nearby areas. The Fatima High School was established by the Capuchin priests around 1955. It is now one of the largest pre-college institution in Mumbai. Spread over a vast area, it possesses one of the best playgrounds in Mumbai. The school encourages sporting activities in a big way and has produced some outstanding Basketball players.
The agricultural land gave away to industries that came up at a good pace in the 1950s. Companies like Sterlite Industries, Nathani Steel, Mac Laboratories and Acme, set up the manufacturing base here.
The Material Organisation, Mumbai, the premier Naval Store Depot of the Indian Navy is another landmark at Kirol. The staff entry gate is walking distance from Vidyavihar station. Starting from the border of Fatima High School, the huge southern wall of the depot runs for almost a kilometre. The main entrance of the depot is on the LBS Marg on its northern side.
The Jolly Gymkhana which has all the amenities is located opposite the Fatima High School. The Club started off in a humble manner in the early 60's and had a card room, basketball court and a table tennis section. But it had a good playground with a Cricket pitch. The highlight every year would be the Inter-school cricket tournament conducted by the Lions Club. It was a very competitive tournament between the major schools in Ghatkopar. It evoked a lot of interest and the major matches attracted thousands of spectators. The Gymkhana had a good cricket team which participated in the Kanga League. The Interschool tournament and other major cricket tournaments were discontinued at the Jolly Gymkhana around the 1980s. In the mid 90's or so the Gymkhana underwent a major facelift. The old clubhouse was demolished and a new imposing structure overlooking the lush green cricket grounds was built. Keeping with times a large bar, pool room, Swimming pool and a hall used for special occasions were constructed. The new Card room continues be the hub for the old members.
The BEST 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 newcomers. The village which was the focal point is slowly losing its old rustic charm due to major development of plush residential complexes.
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