BMC's Prime Land Auction Plans Hit Roadblocks as Government Bodies Seek Procurement
The BMC's plans to auction prime land parcels in Mumbai have faced significant obstacles, with government bodies and residents raising objections. The process, aimed at monetizing real estate assets, has been stalled, raising questions about the future of these valuable plots.
BmcLand AuctionMumbai Real EstateGovernment ProcurementCivic PlanningReal Estate MumbaiJun 22, 2025
The plan to auction the Malabar Hill plot was scrapped early on following objections from BEST (Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport). The land has high-tension transmission lines running through it, making it unsuitable for development. Additionally, over 60 residents from the area raised objections, pointing out that the property card of the plot classifies it as a BMC-owned space designated for a public garden.
The civic body then proceeded with plans to auction the remaining two plots. These vacant land parcels are to be leased for 30 years, with a provision for renewal for another 30 years, and are expected to bring in substantial revenue for the BMC. However, the process has hit another snag. Central Railway requested a portion of the plot near Crawford Market for free to construct a passenger outlet from CSMT via a proposed skywalk. “Since the entire plot was listed for auction, carving out a part of it may not be viable,” said a civic official.
A high-level meeting on the matter was recently held with the chief secretary, the official added. As for the Worli plot, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) approached the BMC independently, although it did not participate in the bidding process. TOI reached out to the RBI for comments but received no response. BMC officials confirmed that while bids were received for the Worli land, the responses are still under review.
In October last year, when the tender was issued a few days before the model code of conduct for the assembly elections kicked in, Shiv Sena (UBT) leader and MLA Aaditya Thackeray opposed the auctions. He claimed that the BMC is gradually losing control of vital land resources, which could otherwise be used for public infrastructure or amenities.
The BMC's efforts to monetize its land assets are crucial for generating revenue, especially in a city where land is a premium resource. However, the objections from government bodies and residents highlight the complexities involved in such initiatives. The civic body will need to address these concerns and find a balanced approach to ensure that the auctions proceed without further delays.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did the BMC decide to auction prime land parcels?
The BMC decided to auction prime land parcels to monetize real estate assets and generate long-term revenue. This move marked a shift in the civic body's strategy to utilize its land resources more effectively.
What were the main obstacles faced by the BMC in auctioning the Malabar Hill plot?
The main obstacles for the Malabar Hill plot included objections from BEST due to high-tension transmission lines running through the land and concerns raised by over 60 residents who pointed out that the property card classifies it as a BMC-owned space designated for a public garden.
What is the Central Railway's request regarding the plot near Crawford Market?
Central Railway requested a portion of the plot near Crawford Market for free to construct a passenger outlet from CSMT via a proposed skywalk. This request has complicated the auction process as carving out a part of the plot may not be viable.
Why did the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) approach the BMC independently?
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) approached the BMC independently to express interest in the Worli plot, although it did not participate in the bidding process. The exact nature of their interest has not been disclosed.
What was Aaditya Thackeray's stance on the land auctions?
Aaditya Thackeray, a Shiv Sena (UBT) leader and MLA, opposed the land auctions, claiming that the BMC is gradually losing control of vital land resources that could otherwise be used for public infrastructure or amenities.
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