January 13, 2026: As large infrastructure projects reshape Mumbai’s urban landscape, schools near the railway tracks in Sion are witnessing unintended consequences of resident relocations from parts of Dharavi. Several institutions have reported a steady decline in attendance, raising concerns about potential dropouts, particularly among younger students.
Jagdish Indalkar, principal of Lion MP Bhuta School in Jain Colony, Sion, said the change became evident a few months ago. “Since houses along the railway tracks adjoining Dharavi were vacated, we have seen a decline in student attendance, particularly in the Gujarati-medium section,” he said. The drop was noticed after Diwali, though schools must wait months before formally marking students as dropouts. Indalkar added that relocation has made daily commuting harder and that some families may have returned to their native villages. “We have no way of tracking what has happened to these students,” he said.
The issue extends beyond attendance. In aided and government schools, falling enrolment directly affects teacher strength, as staffing is linked to student numbers. Families relocated to housing near Vidyavihar now face longer commutes. “We have students travelling from Vidyavihar daily. Since the move happened mid-academic year, parents are ensuring their children attend classes. But next year, many may seek schools closer to home,” said Getziyal Johnson, principal of Guru Nanak National High School.
Cost and connectivity remain barriers. A relocated parent said nearby schools charge three to four times higher fees than Sion-based institutions. “It takes us at least 30 minutes one way,” he said, adding that the lack of direct bus routes has increased parental anxiety.
Primary students appear most vulnerable. Aparna Yadav of DS School said evening travel is risky for younger children. “Infrastructure changes have unintentionally left schools in a difficult position,” she noted.
Officials clarified that relocations are linked to railway capacity expansion under the MUTP II B project, with rehabilitation handled by MMRDA. While authorities say alternative schooling options exist near new housing sites, educators warn that prolonged uncertainty could push more children out of the classroom if transition support remains limited.
Source: Mid-day
