12 Years, 1,200 Families, and a Crumbling Colony: How IAS Sanjeev Jaiswal Finally Pushed Sindhi Colony’s Redevelopment into Reality

After more than a decade of delays, legal challenges, and deteriorating living conditions, the long-awaited redevelopment of Sindhi Colony in Sion’s GTB Nagar is finally moving into execution. The project, which had been stalled multiple times since its proposal, has regained clear direction and institutional support, with IAS Sanjeev Jaiswal playing an early role in steering administrative clarity that allowed the initiative to progress.

The 11.20-acre layout, home to over 1,200 families residing in structures built between the 1950s and 1960s for displaced Punjabi and Sindhi refugees, had reached a state where redevelopment was no longer optional but essential. Many buildings were declared dangerous, some were demolished between 2019 and 2022, and residents increasingly faced safety-related concerns. The recent government resolution approving redevelopment marks a turning point for a community that has waited 12 years for renewal.

A Settlement from the 1950s Enters a New Phase of Urban Renewal

Sindhi Colony’s original structures, built under the Displaced Persons Act of 1954, were never designed to endure beyond a few decades. As they deteriorated, both safety and quality of life declined for residents. Now, with state approval in hand, the redevelopment will replace 25 old buildings with modern residential towers. The project will be executed by Keystone Realtors (Rustomjee Group) under the cluster redevelopment framework promoted by MHADA.

A Significant Upgrade for Every Resident

Each eligible family will receive a new 635 sq. ft. home, an upgrade that brings not just structural stability but also dignity and comfort. To support residents during the transition, a rent allowance of ₹20,000 per month will be provided until construction is complete. MHADA will also offer five years of post-handover maintenance, ensuring smoother adaptation to the upgraded environment.

Revival After Legal Roadblocks

The project earlier faced repeated legal interruptions, largely centered on MHADA’s role as the Special Planning Authority under Regulation 33(9). Residents had questioned jurisdiction and existing redevelopment agreements, leading to court challenges. The decisive cabinet approval on February 14, 2024 provided the regulatory clarity required to move forward. Although the Bombay High Court briefly stayed the project while reviewing jurisdictional concerns, the stay was eventually lifted, clearing the final obstacle.

Boosting Housing Supply and Transparent Allocation

Beyond rehabilitation, the redevelopment will also generate approximately 25,700 sq. meters of additional housing stock for MHADA. This will be allocated via the official MHADA housing lottery, strengthening transparency in public housing distribution. As redevelopment projects expand across Mumbai, it has become increasingly important for residents to verify information only through MHADA’s official portals. No private site, agent, or intermediary is authorized to collect payments or process registrations, and public vigilance is essential to prevent fraud.

Part of a Larger Wave of Urban Transformation

Sindhi Colony’s revival aligns with a broader momentum across Mumbai, where several aging clusters, including Kamathipura and Abhyudaya Nagar, are now progressing toward redevelopment. Cluster redevelopment is emerging as a crucial tool to rebuild old and high-density neighbourhoods while creating safer, more efficient urban spaces. Sindhi Colony, once stuck in stalemate, is now becoming a model for how legally complex and socially important projects can be reignited through coordinated governance.

Preserving History While Building the Future

Sindhi Colony carries deep historical resonance as one of Mumbai’s earliest post-Partition resettlement pockets. For many families, the redevelopment represents not just new homes but the renewal of a legacy neighbourhood that has shaped generations. Moving from dilapidated tenements to secure, well-planned housing marks both a structural upgrade and an emotional milestone.

A Constructive Road Ahead

As construction begins, the emphasis must remain on timely updates, transparent communication, and strict adherence to official processes. With stronger regulatory clarity, accountable planning, and public awareness, the Sindhi Colony redevelopment stands poised to deliver safer homes and renewed confidence to more than 1,200 families. After a 12-year wait, the community is finally on the verge of a modern, stable, and future-ready living environment, a transformation that reinforces what effective urban governance can achieve in Mumbai.