The 23-storey sea-facing tower at Nariman Level, one in all south Mumbai’s most recognisable landmarks, was transferred from Air India Belongings Holding Restricted following approvals from each the state and central governments.
| Picture Credit score:
EMMANUAL YOGINI
The Maharashtra authorities has formally acquired the long-lasting Air India constructing, a defining characteristic of the south Mumbai skyline identified for its prime sea-facing location, for Rs 1,601 crore.
The switch of agreements between Air India Belongings Holding Firm and the state Public Works Division was accomplished within the presence of Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on the state secretariat ‘Mantralaya’ following a cupboard assembly on Tuesday, an official launch mentioned.
The Air India constructing, a 23-storey sea-facing industrial tower at Nariman Level in south Mumbai in-built 1974 on state government-owned reclaimed land, has lengthy been one of many metropolis’s landmarks, identified for drawing crowds in its early days for experiences like driving its elevators.
Following the privatisation of Air India and its acquisition by the Tata Group, its non-core property, together with this constructing, had been vested with Air India Belongings Holding Restricted (AIAHL).
The Maharashtra authorities, dealing with an workplace area crunch in prime South Mumbai areas close to Mantralaya, had been in talks since not less than 2021 for the acquisition of the property.
In November 2023, the state cupboard had permitted the acquisition for Rs 1,601 crore and determined to waive round Rs 298 crore in unrealised earnings and curiosity dues owed by AIAHL. The Centre had granted closing approval for the switch in March 2024.
The deal moved nearer to completion in April this 12 months with the Finance Division transferring Rs 1,600 crore to the Public Works Division (PWD) for finalising agreements, aiming to consolidate authorities places of work within the over 45,000 sqm construction and scale back rental bills.
Authorities plans structural audit and phased redevelopment
PWD Minister Shivendrasinh Bhosale, who was current throughout the possession switch, mentioned the state authorities took possession of the constructing after buying the property from AIAHL for Rs 1,601 crore.
At a evaluation assembly held after the handover, minister Bhosale directed officers to conduct a complete structural audit and undertake all mandatory repairs earlier than relocating authorities places of work to the premises.
He mentioned inside renovation and different improvement works ought to start solely after structural security considerations are addressed.
All restore and refurbishment work ought to give attention to high quality and long-term sustainability, he careworn and instructed officers to make sure excessive requirements for electrical methods, fittings and different technical infrastructure.
Heritage-inspired makeover deliberate for landmark tower
The minister mentioned the constructing’s foremost entrance must be redesigned to mirror Maharashtra’s heritage, and instructed involving main architects and knowledgeable businesses within the venture.
He directed officers to expedite administrative approvals required for the renovation work and guarantee well timed completion of the venture.
“The switch of the Air India constructing to the Maharashtra authorities is a crucial milestone in strengthening the state’s administrative infrastructure. The constructing will probably be developed as a mannequin authorities complicated with precedence given to high quality, sustainability and citizen comfort,” he mentioned.
Deputy Chief Minister Sunetra Pawar, Tourism Minister Shambhuraj Desai, Public Works Minister Shivendrasinhraje Bhosale, Chief Secretary Rajesh Agrawal, Extra Chief Secretary (PWD) Milind Mhaiskar, Mumbai Metropolis Collector Anchal Goyal and officers of Air India attended the occasion, marking the formal switch of possession.
Printed on June 3, 2026
