A plan to reduce chronic congestion on Senapati Bapat Marg was advanced by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) through the proposed relocation of 36 wholesale fish vendors from Dadar to the Airoli Toll Plaza at Mulund. The move was framed as a temporary measure and was discussed in a civic meeting chaired by the Additional Municipal Commissioner (AMC), after which the issuance of notices was anticipated. However, it was clarified that formal action was being held back while the AMC’s written approval was awaited.
The case for relocation was built on persistent complaints from residents, who have alleged that fish trucks were being brought to the stretch during the night and that roadside sales were being carried out well into the morning, thereby constricting traffic flow during peak hours. It was further observed by resident representatives that overall congestion had been intensified following the closure of the Elphinstone bridge. Renewed protests were reported when it was indicated that operations inside the enclosed space might be permitted again, and continued follow-ups with the authorities were cited.
On the other hand, strong resistance from the fisherfolk was recorded. The current location at Dadar was described by them as a prime trading spot that could not be surrendered without jeopardizing livelihoods, and a legal history was invoked. It was recalled that in 2021, a notice had been received stating that their permanent facility—Mahatma Jyotiba Phule Mandai—was under construction and would be available by April 2026. In the interim, it had been offered by the civic body that temporary relocation to the Airoli Toll Plaza would be facilitated, with arrangements for electricity and sanitation claimed to have been made.
That proposal had been challenged by the vendors before the Bombay High Court, and an interim permission to continue trading at Senapati Bapat Road until the permanent market became operational was reportedly granted. On that basis, it was asserted by vendor representatives that an enforced shift could not be accepted at present. It was stated that shifting to Wadala, which had been floated as another alternative, would also be refused because a “court-given right” to remain was believed to exist until completion of the permanent market.
Given these positions, the situation has been framed as a balancing act between traffic management and livelihood protection. Administrative steps were said to be in process but contingent upon formal approvals and the standing court order. Until the market’s completion target—stated as April 2026—has been met or fresh directions have been issued, a continuation of the status quo was effectively indicated. As a result, it was implied that daily congestion on one of Mumbai’s busiest arteries may persist, even as efforts by civic authorities and resident groups were expected to continue through procedural, legal, and administrative channels.