The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) is targeting December 2029 for the completion of Package 3 of the Mithi River rejuvenation project, covering the stretch between CST Road bridge in Kurla and Mahim Causeway. The ₹1,800-crore project has been designed to address flooding and sewage discharge, although rehabilitation of around 2,000 affected families is expected to remain a major challenge. Under the package, 18 gate-pump systems are proposed to be installed along the river to prevent tidal water from backing up into the river and surrounding drainage network. During heavy rainfall, accumulated water will also be pumped out through the system. Locations identified for the installations include Moon Furniture, Kalpana Talkies and ONGC nallah.
According to Additional Municipal Commissioner (Projects) Abhijit Bangar, the flood-control infrastructure is expected to provide greater protection to low-lying areas, particularly Kurla and LBS Marg. Gate pumps are also planned between Teacher’s Colony and the Drive-in Theatre, where surrounding areas are expected to benefit from reduced flooding.
Sewage interception will form another major component of the project. Around 309 million litres per day (MLD) of sewage is estimated to currently enter the Mithi River. Sewage flowing through nullahs and other outfalls will be intercepted before reaching the river and diverted into Mumbai’s sewerage network for treatment. A major sewage pumping station is likely to be constructed near Machhimar Colony in Mahim, while a dry-weather flow interceptor will be developed to divert sewage towards the Dharavi sewage treatment plant. Sewer lines, retaining walls and service roads are also included in the project. Riverbanks will be strengthened through the retaining walls, while maintenance and operational access will be provided through the service roads.
Package 3 forms part of the BMC’s broader Mithi River rejuvenation programme, under which the river has been divided into four geographical packages. Together, the packages are intended to address approximately 309 MLD of untreated sewage entering the river.
However, rehabilitation could determine whether the December 2029 target is achieved. At least 2,000 families, including residents of Dharavi and Kurla slums, are likely to be affected. Surveys are being conducted to identify eligible residents across the K East, L and H East municipal wards. While December 31, 2031 has been mentioned in project documents, Bangar said the civic body is working towards a three-year deadline ending in December 2029. Surveys are also being undertaken at proposed pump locations to determine water volumes and required pumping capacity. The completion schedule is expected to depend on how quickly rehabilitation and the multiple infrastructure works can be carried out simultaneously.
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