Rs 3.4 crore proposal for renovation of Mumbai Mayor’s residence to be placed before BMC standing committee for approval; RTI activist questions steep cost

Mumbai: A Rs 3.4 crore proposal for the renovation of Mumbai Mayor's official residence in Byculla, which will be placed before the BMC standing committee for approval on Wednesday, has drawn scrutiny with activists questioning the high cost, especially since the heritage bungalow is "already in a habitable condition".Based on information received in a reply to his RTI query, activist Anil Galgali said the Rs 3.4 crore proposed renovation is a steep jump from the past spendings. In 2018–19, a total of Rs 85.87 lakh was spent on repair and maintenance of the bungalow. This dropped sharply to Rs 5.88 lakh in 2019–20, and further to Rs 2.93 lakh in 2020–21 and Rs 2.92 lakh in 2022–23. Galgali asked: "When the heritage bungalow is already in a habitable condition, what is the justification for spending crores on its renovation?" He further pointed out that many of the proposed works had already been carried out by the municipal corporation in January 2026.The scope of work includes a complete overhaul of the interiors, renovation of all toilets with new fixtures, addition of extra bedrooms and toilets, and conversion of an existing auditorium space into a meeting room. The kitchen will be upgraded with modern facilities, while the ground floor will be refloored with Italian marble. The proposal also includes installation of antique chandeliers, specialised lighting, and Venetian blinds in keeping with the structure's heritage character.The single-storey heritage structure, which serves as the official residence of Mumbai Mayor, is built with teak wood and situated along Patanwala Road within the Byculla zoo premises. It is part of Mumbai's listed heritage buildings protected under the Development Control Regulations.
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