In a significant development for the Sindhi refugee community in Mumbai, the Maharashtra Housing and Area Development Authority (MHADA) has appointed Keystone Realtors, part of the Rustomjee Group, to redevelop 25 buildings in Guru Teg Bahadur Nagar (GTB Nagar), Sion Koliwada. This project aims to rehabilitate over 1,200 families who were displaced after the original structures, built in 1958, were declared unsafe and demolished by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) in 2020 .

The redevelopment will span 11.20 acres, providing approximately 25,700 square meters of built-up space. Each eligible family will receive a free 635 sq ft apartment. Additionally, MHADA will provide a monthly rent of ₹20,000 to displaced residents until the project is completed and will cover five years of maintenance charges post-possession .

This initiative follows the state government’s approval in February 2024 to redevelop the area, which had been home to refugees from Pakistan since the 1950s. The redevelopment is expected to enhance living conditions for the residents and address issues related to encroachments on commercial land .

The formal appointment ceremony took place at MHADA Headquarters in Bandra (East), attended by key officials and residents who have long awaited a permanent home .

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