Residents of the ageing Railway Police Colony in Ghatkopar, Mumbai, are pressing the state government for immediate redevelopment and housing ownership rights, as torrential monsoon rains have laid bare the hazardous living conditions in the decades-old residential blocks. The once-functional colony now houses fewer than half of its original families, many of whom were compelled to leave due to fears of structural collapse and worsening public health conditions.
Built in two phases between 1968 and 1984, the Ghatkopar Railway Police Colony stands on a 35-acre land parcel allocated to police forces by the revenue department over half a century ago. The premises initially served as staff quarters for active personnel, with 980 residential units spread across 17 buildings. Today, only about 450 families continue to live in these buildings, while the rest have been abandoned as unsafe. The residents, mostly retired or serving personnel of the Maharashtra and Railway Police, have flagged that the colony has long outlived its intended structural life. Years of deferred maintenance and lack of infrastructure upgrades have led to leaking ceilings, cracked walls, broken drainage lines, and persistent waterlogging during the monsoon. The ground floor units are especially vulnerable, often rendered uninhabitable after heavy downpours.
A key concern expressed by residents is the absence of property ownership rights, despite decades of continued service and rent deductions from their salaries. Under existing policies, quarters must be vacated upon retirement. However, given the absence of alternative housing options, several retired families continue to reside in the colony, seeking a long-term resolution that secures their tenure. Experts familiar with the matter confirmed that while the outer plaster of some buildings has been patched up, the core structure remains unsafe. Monsoons exacerbate the damage, triggering flooding, water-borne diseases, and vector breeding due to blocked drains. Families claim this is not just a housing issue but a public health emergency that requires state-level intervention.
In a formal letter addressed to senior state leadership, including the Chief Minister, residents have demanded that redevelopment plans be initiated on-site, without relocation. They fear that prolonged inaction may result in encroachments, making redevelopment more difficult in future. They have further urged the state to regularise their occupancy through ownership rights, citing their long-standing association with the premises and the lack of any safety net post-retirement. A senior official from the Railway Police Department clarified that the decision to redevelop the colony or grant ownership lies solely with the state government. “Housing and structural upkeep are beyond our jurisdiction. We await policy direction from the state,” the official said.
As Mumbai continues to push for sustainable and inclusive urban growth, the plight of Ghatkopar’s police families raises critical questions around housing justice, equitable redevelopment, and the state’s accountability towards those who have served in uniform. If neglected further, the situation risks becoming not just a civic concern but a humanitarian one.
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