The Bombay High Court has ordered an immediate suspension of construction on multiple transit buildings under a slum redevelopment initiative in Worli, citing concerns over the use of land reserved for public infrastructure. The land in question, earmarked by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) for the expansion of the Worli sewage treatment plant (STP), had reportedly been cleared for development by the Slum Rehabilitation Authority (SRA) despite municipal objections.
The court’s observations flagged the conduct of certain SRA officials as “obscure and dubious,” suggesting that crucial objections from the BMC may have been overlooked or suppressed during the approval process. In its interim order, the bench directed the SRA CEO to review the roles of the deputy chief engineer and executive engineer involved, recommending transfers or suspensions pending departmental inquiry. The case stems from a petition filed by a redevelopment developer operating in the Worli Urban Development cluster, which seeks to redevelop multiple slum societies on municipal land along Dr E Moses Road. The petitioner challenged SRA’s stop-work notices, which were issued on grounds of alleged illegal construction and lack of required environmental clearances. The court has permitted the developer to undertake measures for vacating or demolishing existing structures, emphasising that corrective action must be executed promptly.
Judges highlighted that the BMC had formally communicated objections to construction on the STP-reserved plot as early as December 2024 and June 2025. These objections, the court noted, were not reflected in official SRA correspondence with the developer, raising questions about the transparency and integrity of the approvals granted. Approval for seven transit camp buildings was reportedly issued in April 2025, even as municipal engineers flagged the site’s reserved status. Urban planning and infrastructure experts note that such disputes illustrate the complexities inherent in slum rehabilitation projects in dense urban centres. Land earmarked for public utilities or infrastructure expansion often overlaps with sites targeted for redevelopment, necessitating clear coordination between civic bodies, regulatory authorities, and developers. Analysts suggest that procedural lapses can result in delays, legal entanglements, and potential safety hazards for residents, while also undermining public trust in redevelopment initiatives.
The court further expressed concern that a seven-storey transit building had already been completed and slum dwellers relocated, creating potential complications for municipal planning and future STP expansion. Urban development specialists stress that establishing robust oversight, independent audits, and adherence to land-use regulations is critical for ensuring that rehabilitation efforts do not compromise broader civic infrastructure priorities. The order underscores the need for stricter compliance in redevelopment projects, particularly where municipal reservations intersect with slum rehabilitation efforts. Moving forward, authorities may need to reassess approval workflows, enhance stakeholder communication, and integrate sustainability and public infrastructure planning into redevelopment frameworks to avoid legal and operational setbacks.
Mumbai HC Suspends Worli Transit Building Construction
