MHADA Partners with Rustomjee Group to Redevelop GTB Nagar, Bringing New Hope to Sindhi Refugee Families

A History of Resilience: The Sindhi Refugee Families of GTB Nagar

In the aftermath of Partition in 1947, thousands of Sindhi families were displaced from what is now Pakistan, seeking refuge in India. Among them were Sindhi refugees, who found shelter in Mumbai, especially in areas like GTB Nagar (Guru Teg Bahadur Nagar). Built in 1958, the 25 residential buildings in this locality housed around 1,200 families who were given homes under the Displaced Persons (Compensation and Rehabilitation) Act, 1954.

For decades, these families lived in relatively modest conditions in GTB Nagar, an area now known for its dense, aging housing stock. However, by 2020, these buildings were declared unsafe by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), leading to their demolition. The families had to temporarily shift to rental accommodation, awaiting a solution for their housing crisis. Now, after years of waiting and several delays, a new chapter is being written in the history of GTB Nagar, thanks to the collaborative efforts of MHADA and the Rustomjee Group.
 

A Landmark Redevelopment: MHADA and Rustomjee Group Join Forces

MHADA (Maharashtra Housing and Area Development Authority) has appointed the Rustomjee Group, under the Rustomjee Realtors banner, to redevelop 25 buildings in GTB Nagar. This project, which is set to impact over 1,200 Sindhi refugee families, marks a key milestone in Mumbai’s housing development. The initiative is part of a wider push to modernize and provide affordable housing to underprivileged communities in the city, ensuring they are not left behind as Mumbai undergoes rapid urban development.

The project, spread across 11.2 acres of land, is a historic model redevelopment, as it is MHADA’s first project on private land, authorized under the Development Control and Promotion Regulations (DCPR) 33(9). The project was formally cleared by the Maharashtra State Cabinet in February 2024 and is being overseen by MHADA Vice President and CEO, IAS Sanjeev Jaiswal.
 

Key Details of the Redevelopment Project
 

Key Initiative	Details
Total Area of Redevelopment	11.2 acres (45,308 square meters)
Buildings Redeveloped	25 buildings
Total Families Benefitted	1,200 Sindhi refugee families
New Homes for Each Family	635 sq. ft. homes
MHADA Housing Stock from Redevelopment	25,700 sq. meters of built-up space
Project FSI (Floor Space Index)	4.5 (including fungible area)
Rent Allowance for Residents	₹20,000/month until possession
Maintenance Period Covered by MHADA	5 years after project completion

 

Beyond Housing: A Holistic Approach to Development

The redevelopment will involve the construction of modern residential complexes, with 635 sq ft homes for each displaced family. These homes will be provided free of cost, a crucial step in addressing the housing crisis for the Sindhi refugee families who have long awaited better living conditions. Additionally, MHADA will receive 25,700 sq m of built-up housing stock that will be retained for future public allocation.

This project is not just about housing — it is about community empowerment and inclusive growth. By modernizing the area, the redevelopment will also bring green spaces, improved infrastructure, safe public areas, and better living conditions to the residents.
 

The Legal Journey: Overcoming Challenges and Delays
 

The path to this redevelopment has not been without its hurdles. Legal disputes arose, and in April 2024, a Bombay High Court stay was issued due to a dispute with Lakhani Housing, but this was overturned in November 2024, allowing the project to proceed. The courts upheld MHADA’s status as the authority for the redevelopment and confirmed that the cooperative society formed by tenants had the legal right to guide the process. This legal victory, coupled with MHADA’s clear mandate from the state government, ensures the project’s continued progress.

 

 

A Modern, Sustainable Future: Plans for the Redevelopment

 

The project’s master plan, currently under development, will include eco-friendly building standards that will minimize the environmental footprint and create sustainable living spaces for the residents. The Floor Space Index (FSI) of 4.5, including fungible areas, allows for more usable space within the community while keeping the project within sustainable limits.

In addition to the new homes, residents will receive a monthly rent allowance of ₹20,000 until they are relocated into their new apartments. Moreover, MHADA will cover the maintenance costs for the first five years after the project’s completion, ensuring that residents settle in without financial burden.

 

MHADA’s Vision: Beyond Redevelopment to Social Inclusion

 

This redevelopment is part of MHADA’s larger mission to improve Mumbai’s housing landscape and combat the urban housing crisis. Under the leadership of IAS Sanjeev Jaiswal, MHADA has been at the forefront of redefining urban governance by prioritizing affordable housing and social equity. The GTB Nagar project is a flagship example of this approach, combining public housing provisions, private sector expertise, and community governance to ensure the success of the initiative.

The project also sets an important precedent for future developments across Mumbai, demonstrating how public-private partnerships can be leveraged to revitalize aging communities, foster sustainable development, and improve quality of life for marginalized populations.

 

Looking Ahead: A Future of Dignity and Opportunity

This initiative is a step towards providing long-term solutions for the Sindhi community in GTB Nagar. By providing safe, modern housing and improved infrastructure, MHADA and Rustomjee Group are not just creating buildings but shaping the future of these families.

As IAS Sanjeev Jaiswal aptly put it, “This project marks a new chapter in the lives of those who have waited too long for a better home. It is a testament to the power of collaboration and a vision for a better, more inclusive Mumbai.”

 

Conclusion

The redevelopment of GTB Nagar is much more than just bricks and mortar. It is a testament to how governance should work — people-first, transparent, and committed to sustainable urban development. Under the visionary leadership of IAS Sanjeev Jaiswal, this project is creating lasting change in the lives of Sindhi refugee families and setting a powerful example for future inclusive urban regeneration projects in Mumbai and across India.

As the redevelopment moves forward, GTB Nagar will no longer be just a place of temporary settlements but a thriving, modern community where history, culture, and progress come together in the heart of Mumbai.