Mumbai: Unauthorised additional constructions on footpaths in South Mumbai’s Mohammad Ali Marg and Ibrahim Merchant Marg areas, which are known to be very busy commercial roads, were removed by the ‘B’ administrative division of the Mumbai Municipal Corporation today.

The action was taken under the guidance of Deputy Commissioner (Zone-1) Chanda Jadhoki, on the instructions of Additional Municipal Commissioner (City) Dr. Ashwini Joshi. Mohammad Ali Marg is a major road connecting Bhandi Bazaar, Masjid Bunder and Byculla area. Ibrahim Merchant Marg is close to Nag Devi and Mandvi areas. Both these roads are very important from a commercial and traffic point of view. Unauthorised constructions were found on the footpaths on both these roads. It was also observed that unauthorised hawkers had set up shops in the area. This was creating obstacles for motorists and pedestrians to move on the footpaths.

In this backdrop, an eviction drive was launched by the ‘B’ administrative division of the Mumbai Municipal Corporation. Under which unauthorized hawkers and unauthorized constructions on the footpaths in this area were evicted. 7 unauthorized shops were removed. In addition, action was taken against 12 otters, sheet iron sheds, 10 bollards and 2 abandoned vehicles. To eliminate encroachments, evictions were carried out with the help of 04 vehicles, 02 JCBs and other equipment. During this operation, 40 officers and employees of the Municipal Corporation were deployed with adequate police force. Local citizens are expressing satisfaction with this operation. It is being informed by the Municipal Corporation administration that regular eviction action against unauthorized/extended constructions will continue in the future.

Mumbai: Police has claimed that there will be strict security arrangements at graveyards and monasteries in view of Shab Barat, along with which there will be a blockade in the city. The police have also warned of action against those violating the triple seat and Motor Vehicle Act on Shab Barat. On Shab Barat in Mumbai, Muslims visit the graves of their ancestors and relatives and pray for their well-being. Parking and sitting of beggars around the graveyard have been banned, along with which security has also been tightened around the graveyard. This has been confirmed by the Mumbai Police.

In the backdrop of restoring law and order and order in Mumbai city, the police have imposed a prohibitory order on the gathering of more than five people. On the instructions of Mumbai Police Commissioner Devin Bharti, DCP Akbar Pathan has issued this order. This order excludes graveyards, funerals, schools, colleges and funeral processions. This order will be in force from January 28 to February 11. Any kind of procession in public places will remain banned. If anyone violates it, action will be taken against him. This order has been issued by DCP Akbar Pathan.

In Mumbai, there will be special arrangements at shrines including graveyards in the backdrop of Shab Barat. In Mumbai, shrines will remain open throughout the night on Shab Barat. Along with this, Haji Ali Dargah will remain closed from 12 am to 3 am due to flooding. Mahim Dargah will remain open throughout the night. Meanwhile, the Dargah administration has also claimed to have taken all necessary steps and the Dargahs are fully prepared for Shab Barat. Along with this, volunteers have also been deployed here.

Mumbai: After months of delay and mounting local opposition, the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) has announced that a key hurdle affecting the construction of the Sewri–Worli elevated road has finally been resolved, allowing the long-stalled project to regain momentum.

The deadlock over the rehabilitation of residents from two residential buildings in Prabhadevi, whose demolition was essential for the alignment of the elevated corridor, has been largely settled. While the proposal had initially met stiff resistance from residents, progress was achieved after negotiations under the Maharashtra Housing and Area Development Authority (MHADA) rehabilitation policy.

As per MMRDA, five of the 38 affected residents have opted to accept monetary compensation in exchange for their homes. Meanwhile, 30 residents have already been handed possession of alternative MHADA housing, with the remaining allotments currently in various stages of processing. Officials said the rehabilitation exercise, which had been a major impediment to construction activity, is now nearing completion.

The Sewri–Worli elevated road project, envisioned to provide faster access to Atul Setu from South Mumbai, was originally expected to be completed by now. However, work came to a standstill due to complications surrounding the rehabilitation of residents across 19 buildings along the alignment. A particularly sensitive issue involved the road’s passage over railway tracks and the 125-year-old Prabhadevi bridge, which was found to be structurally inadequate and in need of reconstruction.

To address traffic and safety requirements, the MMRDA had earlier proposed demolishing the old bridge and constructing a modern double-decker structure in its place. Under the original plan, the lower deck would continue to serve existing traffic, while the upper deck would allow vehicles from South Mumbai to directly access Atul Setu. However, this design would have required the demolition of 19 surrounding residential buildings, triggering strong opposition from local residents.

Facing sustained protests and public pressure, the MMRDA revisited the design. Officials said the revised plan was finalised after extensive technical and social impact assessments, resulting in a realignment that spared 17 of the 19 buildings initially marked for demolition. Ultimately, the demolition of only two buildings was deemed unavoidable to ensure the project’s viability and safety standards.

Residents of the affected buildings had earlier staged protests against the proposed demolitions, citing concerns over displacement and inadequate rehabilitation. With the latest breakthrough, MMRDA officials maintain that the concerns of the majority of residents have now been addressed, enabling construction activity on the elevated corridor and the redesigned bridge to move ahead.

The authority said it will continue to coordinate with residents and MHADA to complete the remaining rehabilitation formalities, while pushing to fast-track construction on what is seen as a critical infrastructure link aimed at easing congestion between South Mumbai and the eastern suburbs.