The Grant Road market redevelopment controversy has intensified as Koli women and licensed vendors question the eligibility of developers and the transparency of the civic process. Concerns include the alleged financial backgrounds of associated entities, ₹12.25 crore spent on recent repairs, and the rationale for demolition. Stakeholders have also raised issues regarding the lack of consultation and procedural clarity. The dispute highlights broader challenges in urban redevelopment, particularly balancing infrastructure upgrades with the livelihoods of traditional communities dependent on historic market spaces in Mumbai.
- Grant Road market redevelopment controversy: Koli women question Samak-PSK eligibility, Rs 12.25 crore repairs and demolition plan
- Grant Road market redevelopment raises questions over repair spending and demolition timing
- Koli women warn of protest and Bombay High Court move if civic body does not act
Grant Road market redevelopment controversy: Koli women question Samak-PSK eligibility, Rs 12.25 crore repairs and demolition plan
Grant Road market redevelopment has come under renewed scrutiny after Koli women and licensed vendors challenged the proposed developer’s eligibility, the demolition rationale, and the civic process behind the plan.
Grant Road market redevelopment has become the centre of a widening dispute after Koli women and licensed vendors accused Mumbai civic authorities of advancing a controversial plan.
Representatives of the fishing community said the proposed redevelopment of the historic Lokmanya Tilak Municipal Market should be paused immediately until eligibility and process-related concerns are examined fully.
According to Akhil Maharashtra Machhimar Kriti Samiti president Devendra Damodar Tandel, a delegation presented documents to municipal officials highlighting alleged financial irregularities and bank-default concerns.
The objections focus on M/s Samak Construction, whose promoters, the delegation alleged, are linked to PSK Developers, a company associated with Canara Bank dues of Rs 33.50 crore.
Tandel said PSK Developers had been before the National Company Law Tribunal, or NCLT, in insolvency proceedings, and argued that a later compromise did not erase default-related concerns.
He told officials that PSK Developers may have settled the matter on August 18, 2025, but the group’s background still required scrutiny before civic approvals moved forward.
The delegation further cited Reserve Bank of India guidelines issued in 2024, arguing that wilful default-related restrictions may apply to associated entities seeking fresh projects or bank guarantees.
They questioned why the civic body was allegedly keen to issue a letter of intent, or LOI, before August 18, 2026, which they described as a critical date.
Tandel said these issues were raised during a meeting held at the municipal headquarters on March 23, 2026, where representatives demanded transparency and immediate administrative intervention.
Grant Road market redevelopment raises questions over repair spending and demolition timing
A second major concern centres on the condition of the market building and the financial logic behind any demolition-led Grant Road market redevelopment proposal at this stage.
Committee general secretary Sanjay Koli alleged that the municipal corporation had already spent Rs 12.25 crore on repairs to the market structure in 2022.
He argued that demolishing a building repaired only around three years ago would amount to wasteful use of taxpayers’ money and could invite questions over public accountability.
For the vendors, the issue extends beyond construction. The market remains a crucial commercial space for licensed Koli women whose daily income depends directly on the uninterrupted fish trade.
Representatives said any decision affecting such a market must be based on clear structural necessity, transparent public reasoning and broad consultation with all licensed stakeholders.
They alleged that the developer had engaged only with the Swayambhu Kashi Mata Masali Vyapari Association while keeping 199 other licensed Koli women outside discussions.
The delegation also objected to a private offer that, they claimed, warned traders to vacate the market by February 10, 2026, despite no official municipal notice.
That, they argued, raised a key procedural issue: how could a private developer threaten clearance of a municipal market without formal authorisation from the civic administration?
Also Read: Fashion TV India GST Case sees ₹16.94 Cr Fraud Under Probe.
Koli women warn of protest and Bombay High Court move if civic body does not act
Representatives said they would launch a stronger protest and seek relief from the Bombay High Court if authorities failed to protect the livelihoods of Koli women vendors.
Additional Municipal Commissioner (Improvement) Sanjog Kabre assured the delegation that the concerns would be conveyed to the municipal commissioner and another meeting would be convened this month.
The meeting, chaired by Kabre, was attended by Devendra Damodar Tandel, Sanjay Koli, women’s president Nayna Patil, Mumbai district president Prafull Bhoir, and Sachin Chavan.
Also present were Lokmanya Tilak Market traders Gulab Dedhia, Bhavana Gambhir, Asha Dabur, Mangesh Mhaskar, Prakash Mhaskar and Akbar Khan, alongside assistant commissioner Sasane and senior engineer Ghevde.
For now, Sprouts News understands the Grant Road market redevelopment dispute remains unresolved, with vendors demanding lawful process, institutional clarity and stronger safeguards for livelihoods.
The controversy also reflects broader concerns around market redevelopment in Mumbai, where heritage spaces, women vendors, public spending and private developer selection increasingly intersect.
According to sources cited by Sprouts News, several smaller companies are currently being put forward in the process, but the project is ultimately expected to be taken over by Sugee Group, located at 3rd Floor, Nirlon House, Dr Annie Besant Road, Worli, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400030.
As the next municipal meeting approaches, Sprouts News will continue to track whether officials address the questions over Samak-PSK eligibility, demolition timing and trader consent.
Readers who wish to share information or feedback can contact Unmesh Gujarathi and his team on 9322755098.
