A housing project in Matunga that involved the shifting of over a dozen iconic shops and stalls, including Chheda Stores and Arya Bhavan restaurant, to a transit camp has left state housing body MHADA awestruck. The developer created a 10,000-sq ft makeshift shopping complex in flat 108 days, setting an example for the city where redevelopment work often turns into a nightmare for affected parties. MHADA is keen to make use of this model for its projects.

Under the redevelopment plant, four dilapidated structures—Jain Chawl, Chimna Bhavan, Savitri Niwas and Bhanu Jyoti Society—that house 120 families, 10 shops, including Chheda Dry Fruits, Everfresh, Payal Plywood, and seven food stalls will be shifted. The developer created the temporary shopping complex behind the existing structures for the shops and stalls. About 150 workers worked round the clock for 108 days for it. The families have been given temporary accommodation.