January 6, 2026: As the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation elections approach, attention has turned to the N and S wards in Mumbai’s eastern suburbs—areas that reflect both the opportunities and pressures of rapid urban growth. Among the northernmost wards of the city, they play a crucial role in connecting Mumbai with the wider Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR).
The Eastern Express Highway, a major arterial road linking Mumbai with Thane, Bhiwandi, and Kalyan-Dombivli municipal regions, runs through both wards, making them key transit corridors. The N and S wards together cover localities such as Ghatkopar, Vikhroli, Kanjurmarg, Bhandup, and Mulund East. Over the years, these neighbourhoods have evolved into a blend of suburban residential pockets alongside industrial and commercial zones.
Rapid development over the past two decades has significantly altered the landscape of these areas. While new housing and business activity have boosted local economies, they have also resulted in a rise in unauthorised commercial structures occupying public spaces. Residents and civic activists point to footpaths and open plots being taken over by informal establishments, adding to congestion and safety concerns.
Traffic has emerged as a major challenge, particularly in Vikhroli, Kanjurmarg, and Ghatkopar, where increasing commercial activity and population density have overwhelmed existing road networks. Although the BMC has undertaken several infrastructure upgrades to keep pace with growth, residents continue to complain about inadequate basic services. Issues such as irregular supply of safe drinking water and deteriorating road conditions marked by frequent potholes remain common grievances.
The wards’ proximity to major industrial hubs like Bhiwandi has also contributed to environmental stress. Areas along this corridor have reported deteriorating air quality due to heavy vehicular movement and industrial activity. Adding to the concern are Mumbai’s salt pan lands located in Ghatkopar, Kanjurmarg, Bhandup, and Mulund. These naturally formed wetlands, vital for flood control and biodiversity, are increasingly threatened by encroachments and the conversion of vacant land for redevelopment.
As civic elections draw near, residents of the N and S wards are expected to push candidates for solutions that balance development with infrastructure readiness and environmental protection.
Source: Mid-day
