A fresh deadlock has emerged in the long-pending redevelopment of Majaswadi in Jogeshwari, Mumbai, as homeowners have approached the Maharashtra Housing and Area Development Authority (MHADA), alleging that 22 tenants are refusing to vacate their premises, bringing the project to a standstill.
The redevelopment project, which spans around 9 acres, has remained stalled for nearly 17 years and carries an estimated development potential exceeding Rs 3,000 crore. The dispute has once again slowed progress despite recent efforts to revive the project through a new developer.
Earlier, MHADA had lifted its stay and withdrawn a stop-work notice issued in June 2022 against the previous developer for failing to complete construction. The notice was officially revoked on December 30, 2025, allowing work to restart. The project was subsequently taken over in August 2025 by Pune-based Mantra Group via the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) process, backed by Rs 340 crore funding from ASK Property Fund.
Originally initiated in 2008, the redevelopment involved 576 tenants. The erstwhile developer managed to complete only three towers for 171 tenants and launched two additional sale towers, selling homes to over 350 buyers while accumulating liabilities exceeding Rs 4,300 crore.
Following financial distress, homebuyers approached the NCLT under insolvency provisions. After a resolution process involving multiple bidders, Mantra Properties emerged successful with a Rs 614 crore plan to complete construction and deliver homes within 18 months.
Currently, of 579 occupants, 171 have received homes, 300 were relocated but unpaid earlier rents, and 92 still occupy the site. After Mantra Group’s takeover, rent payments resumed, prompting 70 families to vacate. However, 22 tenants remain on site, halting progress.
“We have written to MHADA to pass an order on the hearing taken by us on the complaint, and we are also going to approach Bombay High Court (HC) over vacating the 22 tenants,” said Sanjay Bane, chairman of the society.
Bane added, “This refusal from 22 tenants to vacate the plot has brought the project to a halt. The redevelopment project will take us from 200 sq ft homes to a 750 sq ft apartment. The 22 tenants are demanding three years of rent upfront from the new developer, a bank guarantee and many more demands, which makes it difficult for the project to move further.”
On the other hand, tenant representative Arun Sawant said, “Our demands have been submitted to MHADA and the developer. We are not against the developer and are willing to vacate, subject to our demands. This includes a bank guarantee, PAA agreement, and market-rate rent for all 22 members. We are also seeking clarity on corpus and outright compensation. We are considering approaching the Bombay High Court and taking further action if required.”
Source: Hindustan Times
