The Maharashtra Housing and Area Development Authority (MHADA) has taken a significant step towards improving the living conditions of 1,200 Sindhi refugee families by appointing the Rustomjee Group to redevelop 25 buildings in GTB Nagar, Sion Koliwada, Mumbai. This redevelopment project, a historic move for MHADA, aims to rehabilitate families who migrated from Pakistan post-Independence and have lived in dilapidated conditions for decades. The project promises better living spaces and the restoration of faith for a community that has long awaited better housing solutions.
Project Details and Key Highlights
Redevelopment Overview
- Location: GTB Nagar, Sion Koliwada, Mumbai
- Developer: Rustomjee Group
- Land Area: 11.20 acres
- FSI: 4.5 (including fungible area)
- Total Built-up Space for MHADA: 25,700 sq. m.
- Number of Families Benefiting: 1,200 Sindhi refugee families and 200 slum dwellers
- Apartment Size for Each Family: 635 sq. ft.
Historic Significance
- This is the first time MHADA is executing a redevelopment project on private land with the appointment of a construction and development agency.
- The redevelopment will replace 25 dilapidated buildings that were declared unsafe by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) in 2020.
The Developer’s Commitment
Boman Irani, Chairman and Managing Director of Rustomjee Group, expressed the company’s pride in being awarded the Letter of Intent (LOI) for this massive redevelopment initiative. He stated, “We see this as much more than a redevelopment – it is about restoring faith, rebuilding homes, and uplifting lives.”
Project Timeline and Execution
MHADA’s Vice President and CEO, Sanjeev Jaiswal, emphasized the importance of close monitoring and careful planning to ensure the successful completion of this project. The redevelopment project will generate new housing stock, offering a significant boost to the available affordable housing in the area.
The existing buildings were demolished after they were deemed unsafe, forcing the residents to find alternative accommodations. MHADA has stepped in to fulfill their long-standing request for redevelopment, providing new homes to the affected families.
History of the Sindhi Refugee Families
- Settlement Post-Independence: In 1957, the Indian government settled over 1,200 Sindhi refugee families in 25 buildings in GTB Nagar.
- Initial Cost: Each apartment initially cost ₹5,380, with a per square foot rate of ₹14-15.
- Current Property Values: Today, property rates in GTB Nagar range between ₹20,000 and ₹30,000 per sq. ft., making it one of Mumbai’s growing real estate hubs.
These families had migrated to India following the Partition in 1947, primarily from Sindh and Punjab regions in Pakistan. At the time, the government developed several colonies across India to rehabilitate refugees, with Mumbai housing several such settlements.
Quick Facts Table
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Project Location | GTB Nagar, Sion Koliwada, Mumbai |
| Number of Buildings Redeveloped | 25 |
| Total Built-up Area for MHADA | 25,700 sq. m. |
| Families to be Rehabilitated | 1,200 Sindhi refugee families + 200 slum dwellers |
| Size of Each Apartment | 635 sq. ft. |
| Developer | Rustomjee Group |
| FSI (Floor Space Index) | 4.5 (including fungible area) |
| Historic Significance | First redevelopment project on private land by MHADA |
Quotes from Key Officials
- Sanjeev Jaiswal (MHADA Vice President & CEO):
“This redevelopment is a historic initiative for MHADA, and we will ensure that the rehabilitation of the 1,200 affected families is prioritized.” - Boman Irani (Rustomjee Group):
“This project is not just about infrastructure; it’s about making a real difference in the lives of the 1,200 society members and 200 slum residents. We are committed to uplifting this community.”
FAQ Section
1. What is the GTB Nagar redevelopment project?
The GTB Nagar redevelopment project is an initiative by MHADA and Rustomjee Group to redevelop 25 buildings in Sion Koliwada, Mumbai. The project will rehabilitate 1,200 Sindhi refugee families and 200 slum dwellers, providing them with 635 sq. ft. apartments.
2. Who will benefit from this project?
The beneficiaries of the project will include 1,200 Sindhi refugee families who migrated from Pakistan after Independence and 200 slum dwellers living in the area.
3. What is the size of the new apartments for the affected families?
Each rehabilitated family will receive a 635 sq. ft. apartment in place of their old, dilapidated housing.
4. When did the government settle the Sindhi refugees in GTB Nagar?
The Sindhi refugees were settled in GTB Nagar in 1957 as part of government rehabilitation efforts following the Partition of India in 1947.
5. What is the significance of this redevelopment project for MHADA?
This is the first time MHADA is redeveloping private land in Mumbai, making it a significant step for both the authority and the families it serves.