BMC�s land monetisation plan faces hurdles as bids for key plots stall

#Law & Policy#India#Maharashtra#Mumbai City

Last Updated : 23rd Jun, 2025

Synopsis

The BMC�s first attempt to lease out three prime land parcels�at Malabar Hill, Worli, and near Crawford Market�for long-term revenue has faced setbacks. The Malabar Hill plot was withdrawn after objections from BEST and local residents citing its designation as a public garden. At Crawford Market, Central Railway requested a portion for a skywalk-linked passenger outlet, complicating the full-site tender. Meanwhile, the RBI showed interest in the Worli parcel but didn�t submit a bid. BMC is evaluating the received bids, aiming to raise funds for major projects like the Dahisar�Mira Bhayander coastal road and Mulund�Goregaon tunnel by monetising dormant land.

Representative image

BMC had launched tenders to lease three coveted land parcels located at Malabar Hill, Worli, and adjacent to Crawford Market marking its first-ever attempt to monetise municipal land for long-term revenue. Yet, this move has hit regulatory bumps.

The Malabar Hill plot had to be withdrawn when BEST raised concerns due to high-tension transmission lines on-site, alongside objections from over 60 local residents who pointed out that city records classify the property as reserved for a public garden.

Attention then moved to the Crawford Market plot. Central Railway sought a portion free of cost to build a passenger outlet connected to CSMT via an envisioned skywalk. A civic official noted that since the entire parcel was tendered, subdividing it may be impractical. A high?level meeting, including the chief secretary, was convened to discuss the implications.

Regarding the Worli parcel, RBI independently approached BMC, though it eventually refrained from participating in the bidding. BMC confirmed that bids had been received but are currently under evaluation.

BMC�s initiative builds on a strategy adopted by agencies including MMRDA and MSRDC to monetise land leases for funding infrastructure. Previously, unused plots were left dormant, risking encroachment or becoming liabilities. BMC justified the auction as a means to secure funds for projects such as the Dahisar�Mira Bhayander coastal road and the Mulund�Goregaon tunnel mega-projects demanding high investment.

Next (Gorakhpur: GIDA starts plot allotment in Dhuriyapar industrial township)

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5th Jun, 2025

BMC�s land monetisation plan faces hurdles as bids for key plots stall

Synopsis

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