Mumbai’s long-pending Development Plan (DP) road linking Magathane and Goregaon has taken a significant step forward, with the civic administration preparing to allot 120 housing units to project-affected families in Kandivali East. The move, approved by the state housing authorities, is expected to unlock progress on the 120-foot corridor that has remained stalled for more than a decade, limiting connectivity and worsening daily congestion for local residents.
The road, which forms part of the city’s planned east-west mobility spine, has been obstructed by residential structures in Singh Estate. For years, residents living in the neighbouring Lokhandwala Township have raised concerns about the limited access to the Western Express Highway, often spending nearly 45 minutes to cover barely a kilometre during peak hours. A civic official noted that the DP road was “essential for easing traffic loads in growing suburban pockets and improving access to public infrastructure”. The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) had earlier ruled out realigning the road, stating that the design had already been executed and a major portion built. Following a directive from the court to expedite implementation, the civic body began clearing encroachments and conducting phased demolitions over the past six months. The first group of 47 families was shifted to a private rehabilitation project in Poisar Village in June after a lottery process.
The next and larger phase—relocation of 120 families to a newly available housing cluster in Ashok Nagar—received ministerial approval recently. Civic engineers confirmed that the draw of lots is expected within weeks, clearing one of the final administrative hurdles to completing the road. Work is also under way to identify accommodation for an additional 38 affected structures in the adjoining Lokhandwala Township. Urban planners say the delays highlight the tension between planned development and ground realities in high-density cities. A senior planner observed that “without predictable and fair rehabilitation frameworks, critical mobility links get trapped in procedural loops, affecting thousands who rely on accessible and reliable transport networks”. The DP road, once completed, is expected to distribute traffic more efficiently and reduce dependence on overburdened internal lanes, improving the city’s overall emissions profile through shorter travel times and reduced idling.
Residents have framed the project not only as a transport upgrade but also as essential for inclusive development. Community representatives said they have spent years documenting delays and following up with departments to prevent further slippage. Many believe that the upcoming lottery will finally put the project on a stable timeline. While challenges remain, the shift of 120 families is likely to accelerate progress, offering a reminder that equitable rehabilitation and transparent civic administration are vital to delivering sustainable, people-centred urban growth. The completion of the DP road may ultimately stand as an example of how contested development can align with community needs and environmental efficiency when pushed through with accountability.
