Mumbai: In a significant development for healthcare infrastructure in Mumbai, Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has directed Mumbai city collector Aanchal Goyal to expedite the transfer of 11 acres of land owned by Richardson & Cruddas Limited in Byculla to JJ Hospital. The land, which has been in legal limbo for nearly a decade, is intended for the establishment of a 200-bed cancer care hospital.
Background of the Land Transfer
Officials revealed that the land was transferred to the city collector on paper as early as 2016. However, the physical handover to JJ Hospital could not be completed because the central government-owned company, Richardson & Cruddas, contested the takeover in court. The company, a historic engineering firm established in 1858, manufactures heavy industrial items such as boilers, pressure vessels, and transmission towers. It operates under the Ministry of Heavy Industries, with its main corporate headquarters located in Byculla.
Role of Shiv Sena MP Milind Deora
Shiv Sena MP Milind Deora played a pivotal role in bringing the issue to Shinde's attention. Deora, who represents Mumbai City, took up the matter with Shinde, who serves as the guardian minister for the district. Deora emphasized that the expansion of JJ Hospital would significantly enhance cancer care, advanced medical services, medical education, and research. In a post on X, Deora stated, "I met DCM Eknath Shindeji and sought his support for transferring the 11-acre Maharashtra govt-owned plot currently held by Richardson & Cruddas to JJ Hospital. This expansion will significantly strengthen cancer care, advanced medical services, medical education and research. Most importantly, it will benefit the thousands of needy patients who travel to Mumbai from across Maharashtra for affordable treatment."
Current Status and Challenges
City collector Aanchal Goyal acknowledged the complexities involved, stating, "The decision (on the handover) is yet to be taken between centre and state govts. We took possession of the place on paper in 2016 only, but they (Richardson & Cruddas) have contested it in court. Our election office runs from the premises." The legal challenge by Richardson & Cruddas has stalled the transfer, requiring coordination between central and state authorities.
Proposed Facilities at JJ Hospital
JJ Hospital, one of Maharashtra's premier public healthcare institutions, serves thousands of patients daily from across the state and country. With a new super-speciality hospital nearing completion, the demand for advanced healthcare services, medical education, and research infrastructure has become pressing. The proposal envisages the establishment of several critical facilities, including a palliative cancer hospital, a bone marrow transplant centre, research and training facilities, hostels for students, staff housing, and amenities for patients' relatives. Deora highlighted these needs in a letter to Shinde, stressing that the land transfer is essential to meet the growing healthcare demands of the region.
Way Forward
The fast-track directive from DCM Shinde is expected to accelerate the resolution of the legal dispute and facilitate the handover of the land. Once completed, the new cancer care hospital will provide affordable treatment to thousands of patients who travel to Mumbai from across Maharashtra, significantly strengthening the state's healthcare infrastructure.
