Mumbai, the state government has decided that families displaced due to the bridge’s redevelopment will be provided with newly redeveloped homes at the same location.
The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) will be tasked with redeveloping all 19 affected buildings, as confirmed by Minister Adv. Ashish Shelar. This decision, hailed as a major victory for the local community, was finalised during a high-level meeting at Sahyadri Guest House on Monday, attended by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde. The decision seeks to address the long-standing concerns of residents whose homes were at risk due to the infrastructure project designed to ease traffic congestion near the iconic bridge.
Initially, the plans indicated that all 19 buildings surrounding the Elphinstone Bridge would be impacted, but recent assessments have revised this estimate. Only two buildings are now identified as facing direct consequences due to the construction work. This revision has been a relief for the community, sparking optimism among residents who had feared displacement. However, despite the revision, local leaders raised concerns about the structural integrity of the remaining buildings while the bridge is under construction. Adv. Shelar suggested that rather than wait for private developers to take the lead, the MMRDA should take direct charge of redeveloping all affected buildings under Section 33(9) of the redevelopment policy. This proposal was met with approval from Chief Minister Fadnavis, who endorsed a government-managed approach to ensure transparency and accountability in the redevelopment process.
An equally important issue discussed during the meeting was the temporary relocation of residents from the two directly impacted buildings. Initially, there were concerns that these families might be permanently relocated to Kurla, a proposal that met with resistance from locals. In response, it was decided that these families would only be temporarily moved to Kurla during the construction phase, with a firm guarantee that they would return to their original locality once the redevelopment was completed. This decision has been welcomed by the residents, who expressed relief that their community bonds would not be permanently severed. With this comprehensive plan now in place, the residents can breathe easy, knowing they will not only remain in their familiar neighbourhood but will also receive new, modern homes once the redevelopment is completed. The MMRDA will oversee the entire project, ensuring that the construction work is carried out smoothly and that the new homes are equipped with all necessary amenities.
As the construction work on the Elphinstone Bridge continues, this proactive approach by the state government is a significant step towards improving the lives of displaced families while mitigating the social impact of the ongoing infrastructural upgrades. This decision reflects a growing commitment to addressing the needs of Mumbai’s residents and balancing urban development with social responsibility.
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