September 18, 2025: The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has commenced demolition of unauthorised residential structures in Kandivali’s Singh Estate to facilitate construction of the long-awaited 120-ft development plan (DP) road linking Magathane to Goregaon. Relocation of 47 project-affected persons (PAPs) is already under way, while a proposal to reserve 120 additional PAPs is currently awaiting final approval from the Slum Rehabilitation Authority (SRA).
The move follows a six-month delay after the BMC chief rejected the chief minister’s directive to realign the proposed road in order to preserve slum structures. In October 2024, the civic chief ruled that realignment was technically unfeasible, citing that most of the stretch had already been built. The order came during a hearing of a petition filed by Lokhandwala Township residents and forwarded by the Bombay High Court.
After prolonged inaction, the BMC held a lottery for 47 PAPs, who were allotted flats in Bitcon Infrastructure’s project at Poisar Village, Kandivali (E). Demolition work in Singh Estate began on Wednesday, following repeated appeals from the Lokhandwala Residents’ Association (LRA), which had submitted letters between April and September urging swift implementation.
The demolition of 47 structures is expected to be completed by 2 October. Meanwhile, the civic body has proposed reserving 120 PAPs in Suhas Modi building at Ashok Nagar, Kandivali (E), pending SRA approval. A further 38 PAPs are to be accommodated in PATON building at Lokhandwala Township. Officials estimate the process will continue over the next two months.
LRA founders Rajiv Kashyap and Shishir Vivekanand Shetty, who spearheaded the petition, emphasised the importance of consistent follow-up with civic authorities to ensure timely execution. Both expressed hope that the 120-ft road will finally be completed by January 2026, marking a major step in improving connectivity in the area.
Source: The Free Press Journal
