Slum dwellers relocated to hasten road work

MUMBAI: Sixty four slum residents from Shankar Lane, Malad, received keys to their new homes in Slum Rehabilitation Authority's (SRA) permanent transit camp (PTC) in Sairaj Guriyapada building, located at a 10-minute drive from their original addresses, on Monday, to pave the way for the first two phases of the extension of Shankar Lane to the Gautam Buddh Marg, leading to the New Link Road. This stretch measures 150 meters.

- Sabah Virani

It is for the first time that project affected people (PAPs) have been relocated in PTC homes, given the shortage of space for their relocation. In February, the first lot of 110 residents were relocated to PTC homes in the same building.

The idea for this mode of transfer was conceived in August 2024 through a Maharashtra government resolution (GR) which allowed the conversion of 50% of PTC homes, meant to accommodate residents whose homes are under SRA schemes for a rent, into PAP homes, meant for permanent housing.

A senior official from SRA told HT: "The need for PTC homes is not big, while there is a shortage of homes for PAPs. Malad is the first place where such a conversion has been done; other areas will follow."