In a significant move for Mumbai’s infrastructure and housing landscape, the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) has been entrusted with the redevelopment of 19 buildings impacted by the Elphinstone Bridge project. Residents have been assured new homes at the same location, ensuring minimal displacement during the redevelopment process. The decision was announced by Minister Adv. Ashish Shelar following a high-level meeting chaired by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde at the Sahyadri Guest House on Monday.
The crucial meeting saw the participation of Chief Secretary Sujata Saunik, MMRDA Commissioner Sanjay Mukherjee, BMC Commissioner Bhushan Gagrani, MHADA CEO Sanjeev Jaiswal, and MSRDC Vice-Chairman and MD Anilkumar Gaikwad. Local MLA Kalidas Kolambkar, along with a delegation of residents, had earlier submitted proposals, urging the state to fast-track the redevelopment under Section 33(9) through MMRDA, rather than relying on private developers.
While the redevelopment plan aims to speed up the process and safeguard residents’ interests, it has not been without controversy. Sachin Padwal, former corporator from Sewri representing the Shiv Sena (Uddhav Thackeray faction), questioned the inclusion of all 19 buildings in the plan, arguing that the updated project design now impacts only two structures. Padwal warned that residents of the other 17 buildings may resist the move, calling for greater transparency.
Concerns have also been raised regarding MMRDA’s financial compensation policy. In Sewri, around 115 slum dwellers are affected, with approximately 90% eligible for compensation of Rs 25 lakh, while others may receive between Rs 30 lakh and Rs 40 lakh. Padwal highlighted that in Mumbai’s current real estate market, securing a home for Rs 25 lakh is nearly impossible, and warned of community opposition to the proposed compensation plan. A meeting between the residents, the local MLA, and MMRDA officials is scheduled for Tuesday to address these grievances.
The redevelopment is closely tied to the ongoing construction of the 4.5-km-long Sewri-Worli Elevated Connector, a critical link intended to disperse traffic from the Atal Setu. The project includes the construction of railway overbridges across the Harbour Line at Sewri and across the Central and Western railway lines at Prabhadevi (formerly Elphinstone Road). The existing Prabhadevi ROB, a century-old structure only 13 metres wide with limited traffic capacity, will be demolished and replaced with a modern double-decker bridge designed to support significantly higher traffic volumes.
Upon completion, the elevated corridor will offer seamless connectivity between Atal Setu, the Bandra-Worli Sea Link, and the Mumbai Coastal Road Project, dramatically reducing commute times and providing signal-free access to South and Central Mumbai from Navi Mumbai.
Source: The Free Press Journal
