MHADA Redevelopment: Motilal Nagar's Transformation Plan Approved

The Bombay High Court has paved the way for the redevelopment of 141 acres of MHADA land in Motilal Nagar, Goregaon (West), marking Mumbai’s largest MHADA colony redevelopment project. The court dismissed a 2013 public interest litigation (PIL) that had raised concerns over illegal constructions in the colony.

A division bench led by Chief Justice Alok Aradhe and Justice Bharati Dangre approved a 2021 MHADA plea, allowing the redevelopment to proceed through private developers via a bidding process. With this legal hurdle cleared, MHADA can now move forward with opening bids.

The redevelopment, estimated at ₹21,000 crore, will be fully funded by the selected developer, covering transit and rehabilitation expenses for eligible tenements, shops, slum dwellers, and other amenities. Compensation to the construction and development agency (C&DA) will be provided through floor space index (FSI).

The PILs, filed by Manjula Veeran and Tekchand Khanchandani, sought the demolition of unauthorized structures in Motilal Nagar I, II, and III—originally home to 400 tenants in row houses. A 2013 court directive required MHADA to survey the extent of illegal constructions. The survey, conducted in October 2013, identified over 3,600 unauthorized structures, which were subsequently included in the redevelopment plan.

MHADA, represented by senior counsel Darius Khambata, argued that the redevelopment aligns with the MHADA Act of 1976, which focuses on housing, repairing unsafe buildings, and improving slum areas. The court accepted MHADA’s position, ensuring the rehabilitation process proceeds through competitive bidding.

As of December 2021, only three firms—Adani, L&T, and Naman Developers—submitted bids for the project, which is set to transform Motilal Nagar into a modern urban space with upgraded residential and commercial facilities.

News by Rahul Yelligetti.