November 29, 2025: Once known for its orderly 1922 Crown & Carter grid layout, Mulund is now grappling with widening gaps between rapid redevelopment and slow-moving civic upgrades. The T ward, covering Mulund East and West, is witnessing a surge in complaints from residents and activists who argue that essential infrastructure has not kept pace with the construction boom.
Politically, Mulund has remained a stronghold for the BJP. The party won all six municipal seats in the 2017 BMC elections, and although BJP’s Mihir Kotecha lost the 2024 Lok Sabha race, he secured over 60,000 more votes than his Shiv Sena (UBT) opponent within Mulund itself. Kotecha later retained his assembly seat with a margin of nearly 90,000 votes, buoyed by the suburb’s traditionally pro-BJP Gujarati and Rajasthani voter base.
However, residents say the ground reality contradicts the narrative of development. Prakash Padikkal of the Hillside Residents’ Welfare Association said the pressure on local infrastructure has become difficult to ignore. “Despite long-standing plans to widen Mulund Colony Road, no progress has been made, even as the population continues to grow. The construction of 4,000 new flats in the Mulund hills has raised concerns about whether existing amenities can cope with the added load,” he said. He criticised BMC for leaving key stretches dug up, causing daily disruption, and flagged issues at a newly built garden that has “turned into a hotspot for illicit activities.” Water shortages and sanitation failures continue to trouble several pockets.
Civic activist Bharat Soni echoed similar concerns, pointing to narrow approach roads, worsening pollution and the potential flooding risks if saltpan land in Mulund (East) is used for Dharavi rehabilitation. He added, “Then again, the incomplete Metro 4 project, which is not connected to any railway station, offers no relief to residents who depend on trains for commuting.”
MLA Kotecha highlighted recent measures, including three new gardens, a bird park and a connector road that has eased congestion in Mulund (East). He said a new 428-bed municipal hospital is expected to open in December, though challenges around garbage accumulation and waste management remain.
Former corporator Sunil Gangwani urged the reopening of the renovated but long-defunct MT Agrawal Hospital and criticised continuing issues with roads, slums, hawkers and sewage. As one activist summed up, “Mulund is grappling with a range of civic issues, from inadequate infrastructure and sanitation to water shortage in hilly areas which depend largely on tankers.”
Source: The Times of India
