Grant Road Market Redevelopment Controversy Intensifies in Mumbai

The controversy surrounding the proposed redevelopment of the Lokmanya Tilak Municipal Market at Grant Road in Mumbai has taken a significant turn. Mark Realtors Associates, a developer whose bid was previously rejected, has sent a legal notice to the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) challenging the rejection of its proposal.

In the crosshairs of this battle are the market's vendors, primarily fish sellers, who have firmly stated their opposition to any redevelopment plans. On January 22, Hindustan Times reported that the vendors had alleged that the BMC was forcing them to give their consent to the proposed redevelopment, despite the market being recently repaired in 2022.

Mark Realtors Associates claims that the BMC is attempting to award the project to Samak Constructions (P) Ltd, despite an ongoing writ petition from 2025 in the Bombay High Court concerning the cancellation of the tender by the BMC. The legal notice, dated January 22, emphasizes that the writ petition is part of an ongoing legal process. Therefore, any administrative action to cancel, displace, or bypass Mark Realtors Associates' proposal would be without jurisdiction.

The notice also points out that the authorities appear to be relying on a redevelopment proposal submitted by Samak Constructions Pvt Ltd under Regulation 33(9) (Cluster Development) for the same property, which is currently under judicial consideration.

Amidst the growing dispute, licensed vendors, mainly fish sellers, have strongly opposed any form of forced redevelopment. They have made it clear that they do not support proposals submitted by either Samak Constructions or Mark Realtors Associates, arguing that both proposals are against vendor interests, public welfare, and the prevailing regulatory framework.

The Akhil Maharashtra Machhimar Kriti Samiti (AMMKS) has submitted their objections to Municipal Commissioner Bhushan Gagrani, raising legal and policy concerns related to DCPR 2034, past rejection decisions concerning the same market, and the current structural condition of the facility, according to Nayna Patil, women’s president of the AMMKS.

According to the vendors, the BMC recently completed repair and maintenance work at the market, making it structurally safe and suitable for public use. In the absence of any urgent need for redevelopment, they have questioned the push for private developer-led projects. The objection letter also states that the redevelopment proposals lack essential safeguards such as written consent from licensed vendors, a clear rehabilitation plan, defined shop areas, and assurances on business continuity. Without transparency on these key issues, the vendors argue, the process violates principles of natural justice.

The vendors have demanded that the BMC cancel both proposals, refrain from taking further steps without vendor approval, and maintain the status quo at the market. “Lokmanya Tilak Market is not merely a place of business; it represents generations of livelihood, dignity, and survival for our community. All licensed vendors and fish vendors are united in opposing any form of forced redevelopment. This struggle is not in favor of any developer; it is for the protection of our rights and public markets. We will not accept private takeover of a market that has already been repaired and made functional,” said AMMKS president Devendra Damodar Tandel.

An official from the BMC’s markets department stated, “It is a writ petition filed by Mark Realtors. Their tender was cancelled and not reconsidered. In between, we got a proposal for cluster development from Samak Constructions P Ltd and we proceeded. There are 511 vendors, of which 199 fish vendors are opposing the cluster redevelopment.”