The Maharashtra government has begun preparing changes to development rules for old industrial estates in Mira-Bhayandar and other Mumbai suburbs, potentially allowing repairs, reconstruction and increased building heights to accommodate modern machinery.
Additional Chief Secretary of the Urban Development Department Asim Kumar Gupta inspected industrial estates in Mira-Bhayandar with Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik and senior officials, according to a report by Loksatta. The inspection was conducted to understand the physical condition of the industrial areas and the difficulties faced by local entrepreneurs.
Mira-Bhayandar has had thousands of small and large industrial establishments linked to the steel industry since 1975. The area’s industry is known in India and overseas, but several premises have become difficult to operate because of changes in surrounding infrastructure and the age of the buildings.
According to the report, the elevation of roads over the years has left several industrial units below road level. Older factories are also considered inadequate for the installation of newer machinery. These conditions have created difficulties for owners seeking permission for repairs, rebuilding and structural modifications.
Modern industrial operations use hydraulic machinery requiring heights of between 15 and 17 feet, the report said. Mira-Bhayandar Stainless Steel Manufacturer and Traders Association president Rajendra Mittal has sought permission for industrial units to have a height of 24 feet at the rear and 20 feet at the front.
Gupta said the government was positive about making necessary changes to the existing rules and preparing a new regulatory framework for the development of industrial areas. He said the inspection was intended to assess the situation on the ground and understand the problems faced by entrepreneurs before further action is taken.
The proposed changes have not yet been notified, and the report does not specify a final timeline for the new rules. Until a revised framework is formally approved, permissions for reconstruction, repairs or height increases will continue to be governed by the existing regulations.
Local industrial representatives have said that regulatory changes could make it easier to repair and rebuild old establishments and provide the height required for modern equipment. They also expect the changes to support expansion, investment and employment in industrial estates in Mira-Bhayandar and other Mumbai suburbs.
The Urban Development Department’s next steps will determine whether the inspection leads to a formal amendment of the rules and what conditions would apply to future repairs, reconstruction and height-related permissions.
