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By:

Bhalchandra Chorghade

11 August 2025 at 7:24:18 pm

CIDCO struggles to find takers for its homes

Mumbai: The City and Industrial Development Corporation’s (CIDCO) latest housing scheme has exposed a recurring challenge for the planning authority: finding buyers for its large housing inventory despite its affordable-housing focus. The August 2026 scheme offered 4,793 homes in Taloja, Kharghar and Kalamboli and received 4,180 confirmed applications before bookings closed on September 3. While CIDCO described the response as strong, 613 homes—nearly 13 per cent of the inventory—had no...

CIDCO struggles to find takers for its homes

Mumbai: The City and Industrial Development Corporation’s (CIDCO) latest housing scheme has exposed a recurring challenge for the planning authority: finding buyers for its large housing inventory despite its affordable-housing focus. The August 2026 scheme offered 4,793 homes in Taloja, Kharghar and Kalamboli and received 4,180 confirmed applications before bookings closed on September 3. While CIDCO described the response as strong, 613 homes—nearly 13 per cent of the inventory—had no confirmed applicant. This follows earlier schemes with similar gaps. In January 2025, CIDCO’s ‘My Preferred Home’ scheme, offering around 26,000 homes across Navi Mumbai, attracted 1.36 lakh initial applications. However, only about 55,000 applicants paid the registration fee and around 22,000 deposited the required earnest money, leaving serious participation below the number of homes offered. A CAG-linked report on two CIDCO housing schemes in Kharghar found that, of 4,814 saleable tenements, allotment letters had been issued to 3,733 applicants and possession handed over to 3,317. Four years after the draw, 1,081 tenements remained unsold. CIDCO has also faced scrutiny over marketing expenditure. In 2023, reports questioned the appointment of private agencies to market and allot PMAY homes, stating that the agencies had received advances of more than Rs 100 crore before sales took place. CIDCO officials said external support was necessary given the scale of the programme. The scale of investment adds to the concern. CIDCO’s mass-housing programme envisaged 68,515 homes at an estimated cost of around Rs 15,300 crore. A 2024 report noted that thousands of completed homes were awaiting sale, locking up capital and increasing the authority’s financial burden. The latest homes are located in Taloja Sector 39, Kalamboli Bus Depot and Kharghar Bus Depot. Taloja accounts for 4,229 homes, followed by 257 in Kalamboli and 293 in Kharghar. Indicative prices range from around Rs 23.50 lakh in Taloja to Rs 37.70 lakh in Kalamboli and Rs 43.50 lakh in Kharghar. The figures point to a possible mismatch between what CIDCO considers affordable and what its target buyers can finance. Industry experts have noted that EWS homes priced at Rs 25 lakh or more may be difficult for households within the prescribed income ceiling, particularly after registration, stamp duty, floor-rise charges and other costs. Location may also influence demand. Taloja has seen rapid development and improved connectivity, including metro access, but buyers continue to weigh its distance from established employment centres and social infrastructure, as well as commuting costs. CIDCO maintains that its housing programme meets a genuine need in Navi Mumbai. Ashwin Mudgal, Vice Chairman and Managing Director, CIDCO, said, “The overwhelming response to the housing scheme reflects the aspirations of citizens to own a home in Navi Mumbai and their continued confidence in CIDCO’s planned development initiatives. CIDCO remains committed to providing affordable and quality housing opportunities in well-planned locations, enabling citizens to benefit from the region’s growing infrastructure and connectivity.” The authority has also highlighted the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana-Urban (PMAY-U) subsidy, under which eligible beneficiaries can receive Rs 2.5 lakh, subject to applicable guidelines and eligibility criteria. However, the repeated unsold inventory suggests that CIDCO’s challenge extends beyond construction. Pricing, apartment configurations, location, payment flexibility and connectivity may need to be reassessed before further public resources are committed.

Ambulance deployed for Deputy CM; critical patient dies


Ambernath: A tragic incident in Ambernath has raised serious concerns over medical negligence and administrative priorities after Meena Balraman Suryawanshi, a resident of Swami Nagar, died when an ambulance was reportedly unavailable. The vehicle had been deployed for Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde’s visit to inaugurate the Dharmveer Anand Dighe Natyamandir.


According to local residents, Meena Suryawanshi suddenly fell critically ill and was rushed to the Chhaya Sub-District Hospital for urgent medical care. Citizens allege that there was a delay in providing immediate treatment despite her worsening condition.


After assessing her condition, doctors decided to refer Meena to Central Hospital in Ulhasnagar for advanced treatment. When residents requested an ambulance for the transfer, hospital staff reportedly told them that no ambulance was available because it had been assigned for VIP duty during the Deputy Chief Minister’s event.


Residents tried to arrange alternative transport, but precious time was lost. Tragically, Meena Balraman Suryawanshi passed away before she could be shifted.


Residents have expressed outrage over the incident, questioning how a government hospital could divert a critical emergency vehicle for a political function while a patient’s life was at stake. Locals also recalled that the same hospital had faced controversy a few years ago when 16 patients were allegedly given the wrong injection, raising concerns about recurring mismanagement and medical negligence.


Inquiry ordered

Dr. Shubhangi Wadekar, Medical Superintendent of Chhaya Sub-District Hospital, said she was aware of the incident and had ordered a detailed inquiry. “I will investigate the matter thoroughly and take strict action against those found responsible,” she stated.


Meanwhile, attempts to contact Civil Surgeon Kailash Pawar for comment were unsuccessful, as he did not respond to phone calls.


While speaking to ‘The Perfect Voice’, Keshavan, a resident who was present during the incident, said, “The ambulance was occupied for a Deputy Chief Minister’s visit while Meena’s condition was critical. We tried everything to help, but precious minutes were lost. It’s heartbreaking that such negligence cost a life. This is not the first time something like this has happened — a few years ago, 16 patients at the same hospital were given the wrong injection.”


Social activist Mahesh Inkar said, “A woman who had suffered a heart attack was brought to Chhaya Sub-District Hospital in Ambernath for admission. Around the same time, Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde was visiting Ambernath for the inauguration of a theatre. As part of his security protocol, an ambulance from the Chhaya Sub-District Hospital was assigned to his visit.


During this period, the woman needed to be shifted to Thane or Mumbai for further treatment. Had an ambulance been available in time, it is possible her life could have been saved. Unfortunately, such incidents have occurred in the past as well.


Legal action must be taken against the doctors responsible in such cases, for negligence and dereliction of duty. Only then can we ensure such tragedies are not repeated in the future.”


Citizens are demanding a probe by the District Health Department to determine who authorised the use of the hospital ambulance for VIP duty and to ensure that such lapses do not occur again.


The death of Meena Balraman Suryawanshi has reignited debate over the misuse of public health resources for official events, highlighting the tension between VIP protocol and emergency medical care.

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