January 9, 2026: Residents of Santacruz have accused the Slum Rehabilitation Authority (SRA) of violating Development Control and Promotion Regulations (DCPR) 2034, warning that the alleged lapses could result in long-term inconvenience for daily commuters. The dispute centres on TPS 6 Road No. 1, a proposed 12.20-metre-wide access road intended to provide a direct connection to Santacruz railway station.
According to locals, the entire alignment of the planned road has been encroached upon by a private developer, where a mall has now been constructed. “The construction of the mall has completely obstructed the planned road alignment, defeating the very purpose of the sanctioned development plan,” said Navneet Madan, a resident. As a result, commuters who were meant to benefit from a direct route are now forced to use PM Road, which has been diverted and linked to Phirozshah Mehta Road, complicating access to the station.
Residents argue that DCPR 2034 does not permit road diversion, allowing only realignment within designated boundaries and subject to approvals. Despite this, they allege that the SRA regularised the mall, which was initially constructed illegally. They also claim the Development Plan Department had earlier rejected the diversion proposal, yet the changes were implemented, and a part Occupation Certificate was subsequently granted to the mall.
“The proposed road was meant to make our lives easier. Instead, we are now spending nearly 25 minutes and at least R40 per trip just to reach the railway station,” said a local resident. Locals maintain that once the road is established as planned, pedestrians could reach the station within five minutes on foot.
Residents have demanded cancellation of the alleged illegal regularisation and strict enforcement of DCPR 2034. “Not establishing the proposed Road No. 1 will lead to excessive inconvenience,” said Ajit Ajgaonkar, while Ajay Desai added, “as per the MRTP Act, SRA does not have the power to divert any roads.” Another resident, Sanjay Patkar, questioned how the encroachment, construction, and subsequent regularisation were allowed.
Responding to the allegations, the SRA stated that the road was realigned in 2017 under DCR 1991 with Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation concurrence granted in 2019. It said work beyond the commencement certificate was regularised by recovering a penalty of R2.49 crore and that no further action was warranted, as approvals were in place.
Source: Mid-day
