MMRDA Issues Final Eviction Notice for Last Obstacle in Mumbai's Sewri-Worli Corridor Project
Mumbai: The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) has taken a decisive step forward in the long-awaited Sewri-Worli Elevated Corridor project by issuing an eviction notice to the residents of Haji Noorani Chawl in Prabhadevi. This structure represents the final obstruction along the alignment of the ambitious 4.5-kilometer double-decker corridor near the Elphinstone bridge area.
Imminent Demolition and Rehabilitation Details
The notice, issued on Tuesday, directs occupants to vacate their premises by Friday. It explicitly states that demolition of the chawl will commence on April 29. According to official communications, eligible residents have already been allotted rehabilitation premises as part of the project's compensation framework.
The MMRDA has assured that any differences in carpet area between old and new accommodations will be compensated in accordance with applicable norms and regulations. However, the notice carries a stern warning: if residents fail to vacate within the stipulated deadline, the authority will proceed with eviction and demolition actions, accepting no responsibility for any damage or loss of belongings during the process.
Resolution of Longstanding Rehabilitation Issues
While the neighboring Laxmi Nivas Chawl has already been demolished, clearance of Haji Noorani Chawl had been pending due to rehabilitation disputes involving a handful of tenants. The chawl housed nine tenants in total.
- Four tenants accepted the initial rehabilitation proposal
- Five tenants initially declined flats offered in Wadala, seeking accommodation closer to Prabhadevi
Officials revealed that the Maharashtra Housing and Area Development Authority (MHADA) subsequently identified vacant flats in the Prabhadevi area to address these concerns. Under established rehabilitation norms, tenants occupying 120 square foot tenements are entitled to a minimum 405 square foot carpet area flat, with additional options including:
- Larger units available through additional payment
- Smaller units with monetary compensation
- Complete monetary settlement in lieu of physical rehabilitation
Project Significance and Construction Timeline
The clearance of Haji Noorani Chawl will now enable completion of the final stretch of the Sewri-Worli elevated corridor, a critical infrastructure project for Mumbai's transportation network. The reconstructed Elphinstone bridge is planned as a 27-meter-high double-decker flyover that will link Senapati Bapat Road with Dr B R Ambedkar Road.
This sophisticated structure will feature an additional arm providing crucial connectivity to both the Bandra-Worli Sea Link and the Mumbai TransHarbour Link at Sewri, creating an integrated transportation hub for the city's western and eastern corridors.
Officials have outlined an ambitious construction timeline, with Maharail aiming to complete the launching of new girders across railway tracks by July. Following this milestone, MMRDA-appointed contractors will commence approach works, while rail-related construction activities will continue in parallel to ensure timely project completion.
