Mumbai News: MMRDA Offers New Compensation Policy To 83 Families Affected By Worli-Sewri Project

In a significant step aimed at expediting the Worli-Sewri Elevated Connector project, the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) has briefed 83 project-affected families (PAFs) about the new financial compensation policy under a newly approved rehabilitation policy. Now, project-affected families have to decide between tenements or monetary compensation as per the policy.

A key meeting regarding the rehabilitation of residents from Haji Noorani Chawl and Laxmi Nivas—both located near the Elphinstone Bridge—was held on April 9 at the office of Padmakar Rokade, Additional District Collector (Social Development Cell). The meeting was attended by affected families and their representatives, where details of the new compensation scheme were shared.

A total of 23 families from Haji Noorani Chawl and 60 from Laxmi Nivas have been impacted by the infrastructure project. As per the policy approved by the MMRDA on March 29, 2025, these families will receive direct financial compensation instead of being relocated to alternate housing units.

Officials explained that the compensation amount will be based on the size of each resident’s premises, ranging between Rs 30 lakh to Rs 1.10 crore. The shift from traditional tenement-based resettlement to direct financial compensation is aimed at overcoming delays usually caused by land acquisition and construction of alternative housing.

During the meeting, authorities addressed queries from the affected residents and emphasized the government’s commitment to a transparent and consultative rehabilitation process.

The Worli-Sewri Elevated Connector is a critical 4.5-kilometre, four-lane divided corridor that will function as a major traffic dispersal route for the Mumbai end of the Atal Setu. The connector links the Atal Setu with the Bandra-Worli Sea Link and the Mumbai Coastal Road Project, promising faster, signal-free access between Navi Mumbai and South Mumbai.

To date, around 60% of the project's construction has been completed. The reconstruction of the Elphinstone Bridge is also an integral part of this project. "With the new compensation policy in place, the MMRDA hopes to resolve pending resettlement challenges and accelerate the completion of one of Mumbai’s most vital infrastructure corridors" said an official.