MMRDA plans to revamp Mumbai University

Mumbai: The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) will soon revamp the Mumbai University (MU) campus at Kalina, Santacruz, with additional facilities. The authority has prepared a master plan for redeveloping the campus, but it is yet to get a nod from the university.

A few days ago, the MMRDA had a meeting with the university officials over the new plan. The revamp may inclu-de new hostels, buildings etc. According to MMRDA officials, the revamp plan would first stress on the urgent requirements of the students and later other infrastructure will be upgraded. “State had released a GR (Government Resolution) long back. We had the plan ready but MU did not have a vice chancellor (VC) back then, now since the VC has been appointed we have given them the master plan,” said Pravin Darade, additional metropolitan commissioner, MMRDA.

The university wants to keep this redevelopment plan confidential till they don’t submit a final blue print to the MMRDA. “We are talking time to understand the scheme because eventually it is for the benefit of the students,” Vinod Malale, the deputy registrar and PRO of the MU.

However, sources close to the varsity revealed that this project would curb the long time hostel issues. In the entire Kalina campus, the number of hostels for girls and boys is not enough for the total number of students residing. Students, especially the female ones, who come from various parts of the country and globe face the hostel crunch due to which they prefer other university for education or would stay in as PGs. “Around three to four hostels have been discussed under the plan and one new building for online assessment,” the source said.

“The new buildings will be constructed as per students’ priority. Further, MU was given TDR (Transfer of Development Rights) by the authority since they had given land for a flyover. So other infrastructure facilities will be made after selling off the TDR,” added Mr Darade.