Mumbai is often described as India’s financial capital, the city of dreams, and the beating heart of the nation’s economy. Yet, for millions of its citizens, Mumbai is also the city of broken promises. For decades, the city has been systematically failed — by its politicians, by its administrators, and most consistently, by its own civic body, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC).

The Paradox of the Richest, Yet Poorest in Service

The BMC is the richest municipal corporation in the country, its budget larger than some Indian states. But this wealth has not translated into quality of life for Mumbaikars. Roads disintegrate within days of being patched. Even a few millimeters of rain choke the city. Potholes kill people every monsoon. Slums emerge overnight and become permanent fixtures under political protection. Garbage management remains erratic.

This paradox is not about money; it is about governance — or rather, the lack of it.

Politicians and Administrators: A Legacy of Neglect

For years, successive governments treated Mumbai as a revenue cow, extracting from it without reinvesting meaningfully. Bureaucrats and civic officials, shielded by corruption and political patronage, turned inefficiency into an art form.

The rot was most visible during the tenure of the UBT-led government. Metro projects that could have significantly eased the burden on commuters were stalled under the guise of “environmental concerns.” Meanwhile, the ambitious BDD Chawl Redevelopment project, floated in 2017 to give over 15,500 families new homes, ground to a halt. In 2020, Larsen & Toubro (L&T), one of the main contractors, threatened to pull out altogether, citing slow progress and administrative hurdles. Thousands of families waiting for dignified housing were left stranded.

This was not governance; it was paralysis.

The Fadnavis Intervention

Contrast this with Devendra Fadnavis’s tenure, where for the first time in decades, Mumbai saw a serious attempt to modernize.

• Coastal Road: A transformative project to ease traffic congestion.
• Atal Setu: Seamless connectivity between Mumbai and Navi Mumbai.
• Metro Expansion: The maximum number of metro projects were pushed during his government, offering a real alternative to the city’s overburdened transport.

On housing, his interventions were equally significant. Instead of appointing private developers with questionable motives, Fadnavis placed MHADA in charge of the BDD Chawl Redevelopment, ensuring top-tier contractors were brought in. He also floated global tenders for Dharavi’s redevelopment — Asia’s largest slum — and for GTN Nagar, one of Mumbai’s oldest refugee camps. Crucially, the vision was not displacement, but in-situ rehabilitation, at no cost to original residents.

This marked a rare moment in Mumbai’s history: a government thinking of ordinary Mumbaikars before builders.

The Present Pain and the Path Forward

Yes, today the city is under stress. Traffic jams have worsened, construction disrupts daily life, and patience is wearing thin. But this disruption is the result of decades of neglect finally being confronted. Mumbai is undergoing surgery after years of misdiagnosis. The pain is real, but so is the prospect of healing.

Yet one problem persists: while Fadnavis pushes relentlessly, the city’s administrative machinery does not. The BMC remains riddled with corruption. Civic officials are unaccountable. Police often dismiss the everyday grievances of citizens. Bureaucrats resist change, dragging their feet despite political will.

If Mumbai’s transformation is to succeed, the Chief Minister must now direct his attention towards the city’s officials — tightening the noose around corrupt systems and demanding accountability at every level.

Conclusion: Hope Amidst Betrayal

Mumbai has been failed repeatedly — by politicians who stalled projects, by administrators who obstructed, and by a civic body that squanders its wealth. The UBT government stalled infrastructure and allowed critical projects like BDD Chawl redevelopment to languish.

But under Fadnavis, the city is finally seeing a blueprint for change — roads, bridges, metros, and housing for those who built Mumbai with their sweat.

The frustration today is real. But unlike in the past, so is the hope. Because for the first time in a long time, there is leadership that dares to dream, and more importantly, has the track record to deliver. The battle ahead is not just against potholes or floods, but against the entrenched culture of corruption and apathy that has long defined Mumbai’s governance.

And that is a battle Mumbai cannot afford to lose.

Also Read: Devendra Fadnavis Puts Dharavi Redevelopment back on track

The post What and Who Failed Mumbai? appeared first on Square Feat India.

The occasion marked the change of guard at CREDAI-MCHI, with Sukhraj Nahar taking over as President from Dominic Romell. Fadnavis, who attended as the Chief Guest, used his address to call out what he described as the sector’s broken promises.

‘We Fulfilled Your Demands… Yet Prices Still Went Up’

Fadnavis recalled that over the last decade, developers repeatedly approached the government seeking policy concessions — especially reductions in premiums — claiming this would make homes in Mumbai affordable.

“We reduced premiums, fulfilled every demand. I even expected prices to drop after the Coastal Road was developed. But instead of lowering prices, you raised them,” he said, drawing sharp attention from the audience of leading developers.

A Public Accountability Moment for the Sector

The Chief Minister’s remarks highlight a rare public confrontation between the state and Mumbai’s powerful real estate sector. While government concessions were aimed at reducing input costs, housing prices in the city have continued to climb, putting home ownership out of reach for many middle-class buyers.

CREDAI-MCHI Leadership Transition

The evening was also about leadership change, with Sukhraj Nahar stepping in as the new President of CREDAI-MCHI, one of India’s most influential real estate bodies. Outgoing president Dominic Romell was acknowledged for his tenure, while the incoming leadership pledged to work closely with the government on housing issues.

Also Read: CREDAI-MCHI Launches Exhibition to Streamline Redevelopment in Mumbai

The post ‘We Cut Costs, You Raised Prices’: CM Fadnavis Slams Builders at CREDAI-MCHI Event appeared first on Square Feat India.

Mumbai is home to numerous slums, many of which are located on BMC-owned land. “We want to be the Special Planning Authority for SRA projects on BMC land,” confirmed BMC Commissioner Bhushan Gagrani to SquareFeatIndia.

The BMC hopes that, as the SPA for its land, it can expedite the development process, ensuring faster project implementation. However, some experts have raised concerns that this move could undermine the role of the SRA in the city’s redevelopment efforts.

The proposal has been sent to the state government and will be discussed once the new government takes office.

Also Read: Need for Housing Stock Through PPP: BMC Commissioner

The post Exclusive: BMC Seeks Special Planning Authority Status for SRA Projects on Its Land appeared first on Square Feat India.

Property Details

According to registration documents accessed by SquareFeatIndia, the flat is located at “Apartment No. 2503, 25th Floor, The Imperial I, Tardeo, Mumbai.” It features a spacious layout with a registered area of 311.78 square meters and includes a terrace area of 22.67 square meters, along with parking space for four vehicles. The transaction was made with SDC Township Limited as the seller.

Financial Aspects

The deal was officially registered on February 22, 2024, and Deora paid a significant stamp duty of ₹1 crore, highlighting the substantial nature of this investment.

Political Transition

Previously a Congress MP representing the South Mumbai constituency in the Lok Sabha, Deora’s shift to the Shiv Sena marks a notable change in his political career. Following his affiliation with Shiv Sena, he was quickly sent to the Rajya Sabha.

A detailed message sent to Deora got us no response.

Also Read: Ex Congress MP Buys Mumbai Flat for Rs 63.34 Crore

The post Milind Deora Acquires Luxury Flat in Tardeo for Rs 16.68 Cr appeared first on Square Feat India.