Revitalizing Jogeshwari: The PMGP Redevelopment Vision by MHADA

Mumbai, a city known for its rapid development, is also home to several neighbourhoods with a rich but complex history. One such neighbourhood is Jogeshwari East, which houses the PMGP Colony – a group of buildings built in the early 1990s under the Prime Minister’s Grant Project (PMGP). Initially, these buildings were constructed to offer affordable housing for the marginalized populations of Mumbai. However, after decades of wear and tear, the condition of the buildings deteriorated, leaving thousands of residents in unsafe, overcrowded conditions.

This article takes a closer look at the PMGP redevelopment in Jogeshwari, which has been long-awaited by the community and is now being spearheaded by the Maharashtra Housing and Area Development Authority (MHADA). The project represents a transformative effort to provide better living conditions and modern infrastructure for the residents of this critical part of Mumbai.
 

The PMGP Colony: A Brief History of Challenges

The PMGP Colony in Jogeshwari East consists of 17 buildings constructed between 1990 and 1992. These buildings were originally designed to accommodate families from the city’s growing urban poor population. However, over the years, the buildings have deteriorated due to poor construction quality, lack of maintenance, and several structural issues. The flats, which were initially about 180 square feet, have become inadequate for modern-day living and are no longer safe.

Residents have faced multiple challenges, from falling debris to crumbling infrastructure, making their homes a risk to their health and safety. The calls for redevelopment began almost immediately after the buildings started deteriorating, but it wasn’t until recently that a major push for change took place.

 

The Road to Redevelopment: MHADA’s Intervention

For many years, the redevelopment process for Jogeshwari’s PMGP Colony was delayed due to various reasons. The housing societies in the area initially appointed a private developer in 2010, but the project stalled due to lack of progress and issues with the developer. It was then that MHADA stepped in, recognizing the urgent need to address the deteriorating conditions of the buildings.

In 2023, MHADA took the reins and initiated the redevelopment of the PMGP Colony. The process began with a new tender being floated to appoint a Construction and Development Agency (C&DA) to take the project forward. This redevelopment is set to change the entire landscape of the colony, which has been stuck in time for over three decades.

 

Details of the Redevelopment: What’s in Store for Residents?
 

The redevelopment plan for Jogeshwari’s PMGP Colony includes several significant upgrades to the area. Here are the key details of the project:

• Area Involved: The project will cover approximately 27,625 square meters of land in the heart of Jogeshwari East.
• New Homes: Residents will be rehoused in modern 1-BHK flats with a carpet area of 450 square feet, significantly larger than their current 180-square-foot units.
• Total Units: The redevelopment will include 942 residential flats and 42 non-residential units, designed to provide better living spaces for the existing residents.
• Estimated Project Completion: The entire project is set to be completed within three and a half years.
• Key Infrastructure Upgrades: In addition to new housing, the project will introduce new roads, better sewage systems, and green spaces, improving the overall quality of life for the residents.
   

The construction of these new homes aims to not only give residents better living conditions but also to integrate the area into the modern urban landscape of Mumbai, with modern amenities and better access to essential services.
 

Challenges and the Path Ahead: Overcoming Obstacles

The path to redevelopment hasn’t been without its hurdles. One of the major obstacles has been gaining consensus from the residents and the landowners in the area. The residents were understandably hesitant about being temporarily displaced during the construction process. Moreover, the process of appointing a developer had stalled multiple times due to lack of interest and delays.

However, with the recent intervention of MHADA and the support from the Maharashtra government, the PMGP redevelopment is now back on track. A revised proposal was submitted in 2023, and the tender process is now open for developers to take the project forward.

While there have been delays, the commitment of MHADA to this project, along with the allocation of ₹350 crores in the 2025-26 state housing budget, ensures that the project will proceed. The timeline for the redevelopment remains ambitious, with a target completion of three and a half years after the developer is appointed.
 

The Role of MHADA: Leading the Transformation

At the heart of the PMGP redevelopment project is MHADA, which plays a central role in coordinating the project and overseeing its execution. The agency’s involvement ensures that the redevelopment is carried out with transparency, while also ensuring that the interests of the residents are prioritized.

Under the leadership of IAS Sanjeev Jaiswal, the Vice President and CEO of MHADA, the agency has transformed from a housing authority into a key player in Mumbai’s urban regeneration. With a deep focus on inclusive urban development, Jaiswal’s leadership ensures that the Jogeshwari PMGP Colony redevelopment provides safe, dignified housing for the community, while also contributing to the city’s broader goals of affordable housing and slum rehabilitation. His guidance has been instrumental in pushing the project forward despite the challenges, ensuring that it remains aligned with the larger vision of urban renewal.

A Bright Future for Jogeshwari

The redevelopment of the PMGP Colony is a major step toward improving the lives of thousands of families in Jogeshwari East. The new homes, better infrastructure, and community spaces will transform the area from a dilapidated slum into a modern, thriving neighbourhood.

While the road to redevelopment has been long and filled with challenges, the commitment of MHADA and the Maharashtra government to revitalize this community is a testament to the power of urban renewal. As the project moves forward, it will not only provide a better life for the residents but also set a precedent for similar redevelopment initiatives across the city.

 

Conclusion: A Model for Urban Renewal
 

The PMGP redevelopment project in Jogeshwari is a perfect example of how public-private partnerships can be leveraged to create a more inclusive, sustainable city. With MHADA leading the way and Sanjeev Jaiswal at the helm, Mumbai’s urban landscape is poised for significant transformation.

As the project progresses, it will be a model for future redevelopment efforts in Mumbai, showing how collaboration, planning, and commitment can turn long-standing issues into opportunities for growth and development. The PMGP project in Jogeshwari East represents not only a physical transformation of the area but also a commitment to creating equitable housing for all.