October 11, 2025: The Maharashtra government has announced plans to redevelop police housing colonies across 75 plots in Mumbai, marking a significant step towards improving living conditions for the city’s police personnel. A government resolution (GR) issued on Friday confirmed the decision, with the state’s home department forming a high-level committee led by Additional Chief Secretary (Home) I.S. Chahal to oversee the creation of new Mumbai Police Townships.
Established in 1856, the Mumbai Police Commissionerate comprises 94 police stations, five armed police units, and a workforce of over 51,000 officers and constables. However, only 19,762 residential units currently exist — many dating back to the British era and now in a dilapidated state. Among these, 1,601 houses measure 45 sq metres, 1,203 are larger, while the majority, around 16,958, range between 10 and 30 sq metres.
Due to inadequate housing, thousands of officers are forced to live far from their postings. A senior police officer revealed that some constables reside in Mahul — one of the city’s most polluted areas — while others commute daily from distant suburbs such as Badlapur, Titwala, Vasai, and Virar. The GR notes that nearly 50% of Mumbai’s police force travels between 50 and 80 kilometres each day, severely impacting morale and efficiency.
The proposed redevelopment aims to provide modern, well-planned residential facilities within Mumbai to reduce travel time and improve working conditions. The committee includes top bureaucrats such as BMC Commissioner Bhushan Gagrani, Additional Chief Secretary (Public Works) Manisha Mhaiskar, Police Commissioner Deven Bharati, and MHADA Vice President Sanjeev Jaiswal, among others.
It remains uncertain whether the redevelopment will be executed directly by the government, through agencies such as the Maharashtra Housing and Area Development Authority (MHADA), or via private developers, as the GR does not specify the implementation model.
Source: Hindustan Times
