The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) is set to convene a special Standing Committee meeting to formulate a strategy for the redevelopment of several traditional markets (mandais) across Mumbai, many of which have remained stalled for years. The initiative aims to accelerate redevelopment projects while incorporating suggestions from committee members and civic representatives.
The decision comes as the civic body seeks to improve the condition of ageing market structures and enhance public amenities. Meanwhile, the Standing Committee has approved a proposal to undertake repair works at the historic Savarkar Market in Dadar West.
The repair proposal was cleared following a site inspection by Standing Committee Chairman Prabhakar Shinde. During a committee meeting held four weeks ago, Shinde had directed officials to inspect the market before taking a final decision. After visiting the site earlier this week, he approved the repair proposal.
During the discussion, Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) member Yashwant Killedar suggested that while the long-term redevelopment of Savarkar Market remains necessary, the civic body should first proceed with repair work since the redevelopment of Krantisingh Nana Patil Market is already underway. He also recommended that a separate proposal be prepared for additional redevelopment-related works.
Addressing the committee, Shinde questioned the status of the previously proposed redevelopment of 20 municipal markets. He noted that delays have resulted in poor infrastructure, with facilities such as parking areas and cold storage remaining unavailable. He stressed that many of Mumbai’s traditional markets are in deteriorating condition and require immediate repairs alongside a comprehensive redevelopment plan.
Shinde announced that a dedicated meeting would be held to develop a long-term strategy for these markets after considering suggestions from corporators. He noted that while the redevelopment of Mazgaon Valpakhadi Market had led to discussions on a redevelopment policy, similar progress has not been achieved elsewhere.
The proposed meeting will examine ways to modernise markets, explore commercial utilisation, identify organisations that can participate in redevelopment and assess the appointment of consultants to prepare redevelopment plans. The civic body also aims to identify models that can generate higher municipal revenue while preserving the role of traditional markets.
Several committee members, including Yashwant Killedar, Shraddha Jadhav, Dr Saeeda Khan, Ashraf Azmi, Tulip Miranda, Prakash Darekar, Meenakshi Patankar, Sheetal Gambhir, Ganesh Khankar, Amey Ghole and Shailesh Phanse, participated in the discussion and offered suggestions regarding the stalled redevelopment projects and the condition of Mumbai’s markets.
Source: Prahaar
