Mumbai Manora MLA Hostel Redevelopment Cost Rises to ₹2,009 Crore, Inauguration Target Set for March 2028

Mumbai’s Manora MLA hostel redevelopment project at Nariman Point is moving forward, with two new towers planned to open in March 2028. The project cost has increased from ₹862 crore to ₹2,009 crore, with additional development charges, floor space index (FSI) expenses, and interior work contributing to the rise.

Manora MLA Hostel Project in Mumbai Targets March 2028 Inauguration

Mumbai’s Manora MLA hostel redevelopment project is expected to reach a major milestone in March 2028, when the two new towers at Nariman Point are scheduled to be inaugurated. The Maharashtra government is developing the modern complex to provide improved accommodation and office facilities for state legislators and their staff.

According to a report by Hindustan Times, the project’s estimated cost has increased to ₹2,009 crore from its original budget of ₹862 crore. Officials have attributed the rise to additional FSI-related charges, development expenses, and interior and furniture costs.

The redevelopment aims to replace the old hostel buildings with modern facilities designed to meet the accommodation and workplace needs of legislators.

How the Manora MLA Hostel Redevelopment Cost Increased

The redevelopment project has undergone several changes since it was first proposed in 2019. The four existing 14-story buildings were demolished in March 2019 after the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) declared them unsafe for use.

The state government subsequently invited bids to construct two new high-rise towers at the site, with the initial project cost set at ₹862 crore.

The project was first assigned to the National Buildings Construction Corporation (NBCC), a central public sector undertaking. In December 2020, responsibility was transferred to the Maharashtra Public Works Department (PWD) following a change in the state government.

In March 2023, the PWD awarded Larsen & Toubro (L&T) a design-and-build contract worth ₹1,266 crore. The estimated cost later increased to ₹1,750 crore before reaching the current figure of ₹2,009 crore.

Officials said additional development charges linked to the project's floor space index of 5.39 have contributed to the increase. These include ₹55.50 crore in additional development charges. Expenses for interior design and furniture have also added to the overall cost.

Construction Progress of Mumbai's Two New MLA Hostel Towers

Construction of the two replacement towers is progressing, with the state government maintaining March 2028 as the target for inauguration.

According to a senior PWD official quoted by Hindustan Times, Tower A, planned as a 42-story building, has reached its 34th floor. The second tower, designed with 29 stories, has been completed.

Officials said a recent meeting involving senior government representatives and officials from different departments reviewed the project's progress and reaffirmed the March 2028 target.

Project architect Shashi Prabhu has also expressed confidence in meeting the deadline. A sample apartment featuring modern interiors has been prepared to give legislators an idea of the facilities planned for the new complex.

Maharashtra Government Spends Over ₹210 Crore on Alternative Accommodation

The redevelopment has also led to significant spending on temporary accommodation for legislators while construction continues.

Since February 2018, the state legislature has spent more than ₹210 crore on alternative accommodation arrangements for 288 Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs) and 78 Members of the Legislative Council (MLCs), according to officials.

More than 200 legislators have been allotted individual rooms measuring around 300 square feet at the Akashwani MLA Hostel.

Legislators who receive these rooms are provided ₹50,000 per month toward accommodation expenses. Those who have not been allotted rooms receive ₹1 lakh per month, according to a state legislature official.

The annual expenditure on alternative accommodation is estimated at ₹30.50 crore. The cumulative spending of more than ₹210 crore represents over 10% of the current estimated redevelopment cost.

Modern Facilities Planned at the New Manora MLA Hostel Complex

The new Manora complex at Nariman Point is expected to offer improved residential and workplace facilities for Maharashtra's legislators and their staff.

The planned amenities include:

• Accommodation and office space for legislators and their staff
• Parking facilities for 750 vehicles
• Two meeting halls
• An auditorium
• A library
• A gymnasium
• Modern interiors and updated residential facilities

These facilities are intended to create a more organized and comfortable environment for legislators working in Mumbai.

What the Manora MLA Hostel Redevelopment Means for Mumbai

The Manora MLA hostel redevelopment is a major government infrastructure project in Mumbai's Nariman Point area. Once completed, the two towers will replace the demolished hostel buildings and provide updated accommodation and office facilities for legislators.

Although the estimated cost has increased substantially since the project was first announced, officials remain confident about the March 2028 inauguration target.

The completion of the project is expected to provide modern facilities for state legislators while bringing the long-running redevelopment effort closer to its planned conclusion.