Maharashtra debates Byculla land: hospital expansion vs. exhibition centre
The Maharashtra government is currently weighing two significant proposals for a prime 11-acre land parcel in Byculla. JJ Hospital has urgent expansion needs, while R&C Ltd has plans for a 'world-class exhibition centre'. The state is considering both before making a decision.
JJ Hospital, currently overcrowded with around 3,000 to 3,500 daily visitors and nearly 1,150 patients in beds, has proposed using the land for a modern research centre, a bone marrow transplant facility, new student hostels, staff quarters, and a guest house. This is to help manage its surging footfall and offer quality care.
R&C Ltd, on the other hand, wants the entire 11-acre plot to establish a 'world-class exhibition centre'. However, the state discovered that R&C had sublet portions of the land to private commercial entities without approval, leading to the property's reclamation in 2016. The recent Mantralaya meeting concluded with a decision to consult both the Centre and JJ Hospital before arriving at a final allocation plan for the land.
The Maharashtra government is expected to balance the urgent expansion needs of JJ Hospital against R&C Ltd's redevelopment proposal. The final decision will be made after consulting the Centre and JJ Hospital, ensuring the best use of the prime Byculla land parcel.
