A new chapter in the history of Kamathipura is beginning, with the iconic 15 galis (lanes) of the area set to shrink to six to eight wider lanes, with most names disappearing. Only a couple of markers will carry the Kamathipura name, while a garden and mural will preserve its story — a complex yet defining part of Mumbai’s identity, for future generations.
Given its controversial past, many residents want Kamathipura to shed its old identity as a red-light district. With redevelopment underway, locals have been approaching their MLA, Amin Patel, seeking changes in how the area is named and perceived. However, a section of citizens believes the neighbourhood’s place in Mumbai’s history should be preserved.
Proposed new look
The historically significant neighbourhood is set for a major redevelopment, with the Mumbai Building Repairs and Reconstruction Board (MBRRB) planning permanent, safer homes for nearly 8000 residents and compensation for around 800 landowners. Spread across 34 acres, the area comprises 15 narrow lanes with about 943 cessed buildings, many nearly a century old. The project marks a shift from individual building redevelopment to cluster redevelopment under the Development Control and Promotion Regulations 2034.
Local history
Kamathipura was built on marshy land near the northern edge of the old Fort area. It was first settled by Telugu-speaking migrants, known as “Kamathis”, who worked as construction labourers. Later, as mills and port activity grew, many residents joined the industrial workforce. Over time, commercial sex work took root, and Kamathipura became known as Mumbai’s most prominent red-light district.
MLA bats for balance
Patel told mid-day that once the redevelopment design and layout are finalised, he will take all public representatives, including municipal councillors, into confidence and consult local experts who have closely studied the area to identify individuals who have contributed to it, so that lanes can be named after them. At the same time, he added, a garden will be developed with murals and written accounts of Kamathipura’s history to ensure future generations understand the area’s significance. The Congress MLA, however, maintained that the north and southbound main road names of the area would remain the same, and that any name changes would be made only to internal lanes.
New tag
Amid speculation that the Kamathipura redevelopment may be branded as ‘Upper Mumbai Central’ to boost real estate sales, MHADA has denied any such move. A senior MHADA official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said that while a name change is being considered, no final decision has been taken yet, and outright rejected reports suggesting that ‘Upper Mumbai Central’ has been finalised
as the new name.
34 acres
Area of Kamathipura
