The Maharashtra government has approved the allotment of a prime 7,658-square-metre plot in Sion, Mumbai, to the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) for a period of 30 years at a nominal annual rent of ₹10,186. The decision, cleared by the state’s urban development department, allows the VHP to expand an existing facility that houses cancer patients visiting the city for treatment, marking a significant civic development in one of Mumbai’s high-value urban pockets.
Owned by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), the Sion plot is currently valued at an estimated ₹247 crore, based on prevailing market rates of ₹30,000–37,000 per square foot. Apart from the concessional lease, the VHP is required to pay ₹9.72 crore to convert the leasehold property into freehold status, an investment that formalises ownership while enabling long-term planning for community services. “The Sion facility has been supporting cancer patients and also offers educational and vocational programmes. The expansion will strengthen these services and provide more inclusive access for residents and patients,” a spokesperson for the VHP said, highlighting the social dimension of the project.
The BMC invoked Section 92(dd) of the Mumbai Municipal Corporation Act, 1888, to allot the land below market value. Introduced through a 2017 amendment, this clause allows the municipal commissioner to lease municipal land for public purposes, including health, education, and memorial projects, ensuring civic benefit while bypassing standard disposal procedures. An official confirmed that all regulatory and reservation conditions under the Development Control and Promotion Regulations (DCPR), 2034, will apply, ensuring that the property is used strictly for medical and educational purposes. Urban planners emphasise that such allocations, when transparently managed, can promote equitable urban development. “Subsidised land for healthcare facilities in high-value areas like Sion can improve accessibility, while setting a precedent for other public-private collaborations in civic infrastructure,” said a senior urban development expert.
The decision also draws attention to the broader role of civil society organisations in enhancing urban healthcare and educational support. With Mumbai facing high real estate pressure, such initiatives can provide critical social infrastructure without large-scale public expenditure, aligning with sustainable urban development goals. While the allotment has drawn public attention due to the plot’s market value and the identity of the lessee, authorities have underlined that the primary focus remains civic benefit. As the VHP prepares to expand the Sion facility, the project is expected to offer enhanced healthcare access, educational programmes, and community engagement, illustrating a model of inclusive urban service delivery.
Mumbai Sion Allots 247 Crore Sion Land To VHP For 10k Annual Rent