After a three-year delay, the Kalina-BKC connectivity project has finally received the green light following an agreement to shift 17 hutments. These hutments, known as Watchman Chawl, were built over 100 years ago by security guards of the University of Mumbai. The road project, which began in 2019, saw 90 per cent completion by the MMRDA. However, work stalled due to the presence of Watchman Chawl, located adjacent to Mumbai University. Once completed, the new road is expected to cut travel time by 15-20 minutes.

All the families, except one, were relocated to an MMRDA society in Vidyavihar. The MMRDA will now demolish the remaining chawl and begin work to widen the road to two lanes on either side. Residents told mid-day that while they had requested an alternate location, they eventually accepted relocation after no other options were offered.