Demolition work has commenced at Haji Noorani Chawl in Prabhadevi, clearing the way for a crucial section of the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority’s Sewri-Worli Elevated Corridor project. The structure was among the final major obstacles delaying construction activity near the Elphinstone bridge stretch of the corridor alignment.
The proposed elevated connector is a key part of Mumbai’s larger transport infrastructure network and is designed to strengthen east-west connectivity between Sewri, the Mumbai Trans Harbour Link corridor, Worli and the city’s coastal road system.
Authorities began evacuation and demolition procedures after multiple rounds of negotiations with residents regarding rehabilitation arrangements and relocation timelines. Residents had earlier raised concerns related to possession of rehabilitation homes, differences in carpet area and repair-related issues in the alternate accommodation offered under the project.
According to reports, some families had also requested additional time to shift due to pending documentation and relocation formalities. Following discussions, residents have now started moving into rehabilitation units allotted in the Prabhadevi area, enabling authorities to initiate site clearance work.
Though the chawl housed a relatively small number of tenants, delays in obtaining vacant possession had slowed progress on a critical segment of the corridor. Officials said construction work in the area is expected to accelerate once demolition and debris clearance are completed.
The removal of Haji Noorani Chawl follows the earlier demolition of nearby structures required for the same infrastructure project. MMRDA has been implementing phased land acquisition and rehabilitation measures across several stretches to ensure smoother execution of the elevated corridor.
The Sewri-Worli Elevated Corridor is expected to improve connectivity among South Mumbai, central Mumbai, and Navi Mumbai by providing faster access to the MTHL network. The proposed double-decker corridor will also help disperse traffic from the trans-harbour link and reduce pressure on heavily congested internal east-west routes within the island city.
Officials stated that several construction packages along the corridor are progressing simultaneously, with priority now being given to pending civil works and structural linkages. The clearance of major obstructions such as Haji Noorani Chawl, is expected to significantly support execution timelines in the coming phases.
Source: Prop News Time
