Mumbai News: Activist Warns MMRDA Against Prabhadevi ROB Demolition Without Prior Tenant Compensation

Civic activist Kamlakar Shenoy has urged the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) to ensure that tenants of buildings affected by the proposed demolition of the Prabhadevi railway overbridge (ROB), formerly known as Elphinstone bridge, are first provided alternative housing or compensation before any demolition begins.

On Friday, Shenoy filed a Right to Information (RTI) application at the MMRDA office, seeking clarity on the authority's preparedness in handling the displacement of tenants. The demolition is part of the larger Sewri-Worli Elevated Connector project, which requires the dismantling of the old 13-metre-wide bridge to make way for a new double-decker structure aimed at easing traffic flow from the Atal Setu.

“Tenants must be compensated at market value or given alternative transit accommodation before the demolition. Otherwise, this will end up like the Hancock and Carnac bridge demolitions, which caused immense hardship to residents,” Shenoy said. He further warned that he would initiate criminal proceedings against the MMRDA if it proceeds with demolition without adequate rehabilitation measures in place.

The 4.5-km Sewri-Worli Connector is a critical infrastructure project linking Atal Setu to the Bandra-Worli Sea Link and the upcoming Mumbai Coastal Road. Once completed, it promises signal-free access from Navi Mumbai to South and Central Mumbai, significantly reducing travel time.

Currently, the demolition of the Prabhadevi ROB awaits clearance from the traffic police. Meanwhile, MMRDA has proposed a compensation policy based on ready reckoner rates and plans for the redevelopment of affected buildings.

Interestingly, while the original design of the connector project would have impacted 19 buildings in the vicinity, a revised alignment has brought that number down to just two.

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