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Residents of the seven Bombay Improvement Trust (BIT) chawls near Sandhurst Road in Mumbai have called for redevelopment similar to the ongoing Bombay Development Directorate (BDD) projects. Though the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) and Central Railway (CR) label these buildings as old and potentially unsafe, residents argue they remain structurally sound. They want funds earmarked for redevelopment to be used to upgrade their homes to 500 sq ft units like BDD chawls. The debate highlights safety concerns, questions about rehabilitation policy, and the need for better use of public funds for historic housing clusters.
The seven BIT chawls near Sandhurst Road station were constructed under the City of Bombay Improvement Act, 1898, to accommodate workers. These four-storey buildings have shops and godowns on the ground floor and 372 tenements, each measuring 180-200 sq ft, spread across the upper floors. Residents have repeatedly told authorities that their buildings are structurally sound and can be upgraded safely. Third-generation resident Sanjay K, part of the local chawl residents association, emphasized that they want redevelopment along the lines of BDD chawl projects. Advertisement
The BMC and CR, however, have flagged these chawls, along with 17 other old structures between Sandhurst Road and Masjid stations, as dilapidated. Officials pointed out that sewage outlets from the buildings drain toward railway tracks, creating stagnant water and potentially weakening foundations. Concerns have been raised that any collapse could affect rail operations or endanger residents and passengers. Part of these concerns were first raised in July 2022 after a section of a dilapidated BEST sub-station wall near the railway tracks collapsed.
Residents argue that redevelopment funds running into crores remain unused and should be applied to improve their housing. They seek 500 sq ft homes, comparable to new BDD chawl units, and want adjacent buildings included in redevelopment plans. The BMC had previously increased rent per tenement from INR 180 to INR 560 but reversed the hike after resident protests, showing the sensitivity of rental policies.
When asked about these demands, a BMC official said the chawls fall within the railway buffer zone and that authorities have requested the railway to address the safety concerns. CR officials clarified that they do not currently have a rehabilitation policy and need to review BMC communications to decide how to proceed regarding resident rehousing or recognition of the structures.
The Sandhurst Road chawl case illustrates the delicate balance between preserving historic worker housing, ensuring public safety, and deploying redevelopment funds efficiently. Residents see redevelopment as an opportunity to upgrade living standards, while authorities are cautious about structural risks and buffer zone regulations. The outcome will likely influence redevelopment approaches for other BIT and historic chawl clusters in Mumbai.
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