Kranti Nagar

Mumbai Metropolitan Regional Development Authority

MMRDA

Shubhangi Wadake has lived in Kranti Nagar for more than 50 years (PHOTOS BY RAJU SHINDE)

Reeta and Prabhakar Warang hope to get new accommodations soon

Top view of Kranti Nagar, one of the oldest chawls in Mumbai. The units will soon be demolished to make way for the Metro

Friends and neighbours celebrate shared history even as they face an uncertain future.– one of the oldest chawls in the city – has been home to Shubhangi Kamlakar Wadake (76) for more than 50 years – but it won’t be for much longer. She is among hundreds of residents who are moving out of the area to make way for a new Metro line.“We have a unique culture here,” says Wadake. “We are all friends. Anyone can walk into anyone’s house if they need help. People here don’t even lock their doors.”Last year Shubhangi’s family – her husband died 16 years ago but her son, his wife and her grandchild still share the 150-square-foot space with her – was one of nearly 110 to receive a notice from the) on behalf of the Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation Limited (MMRCL) stating that their parcel of land had been acquired for Metro Line 3 (Colaba-Bandra-Seepz).The authorities said those structures and building plots that come in the way of the Metro would be acquired, but promised financial help and in situ rehabilitation for those affected.Today as the deadline nears – it was February 15, before MMRDA moved it back two weeks – the families have started the painful task of saying goodbye to their home, the only home many of them have ever known.At the end of last month they held a three-day send-off party. People were crying, laughing, taking group pictures, sharing gifts and reminiscing.Reeta and Prabhakar Warang are 65 years old. They were running a small business in a nearby area, which has also been affected by the Metro work.“When we were kids we seven siblings and our parents lived in this small house,” said Prabhakar. “I have so many wonderful memories here. I am leaving this place with a heavy heart.”“We have no option but to look ahead. I hope we get a permanent place soon,” said Reeta, echoing the concerns of many residents, who have been promised new accommodations within 500 metres of Kranti Nagar.Bala Ahirekar, a resident of Kranti Nagar and Shiv Sena shakha pramukh of the area, said: “I never had to worry about my school-going daughters or elderly parents because the neighbours were always there.“It’s going to be a huge challenge moving to new premises – especially as school examinations are round the corner. Around two dozen students are due to sit their Xth and XIIth class exams.”Dattatray Gawde retired as a pharmacist and bought a unit here five years ago. “I get along with the people here. We celebrate all festivals together. I will really miss the social aspect,” he said.