Mumbai: In a major push to strengthen prison infrastructure and security, the Maharashtra government approved the construction of four new watchtowers at Mumbai’s Arthur Road Jail, officially known as Mumbai Central Prison. The move is aimed at enhancing surveillance of the jail’s surroundings, preventing escapes and stopping contraband from being thrown into the premises.
The decision, outlined in a government resolution issued on Tuesday, comes in response to mounting concerns over security vulnerabilities due to the jail’s location in the densely populated Jacob Circle area.
Slums Around Jail Posing Security Risk
Arthur Road Jail has long been surrounded by slums on two sides, a situation flagged by a government-appointed committee in 2015 as a serious risk to prison security. Although the committee had recommended the removal of these slums, no action was taken.
Since then, the emergence of high-rise buildings in the vicinity has only compounded the risk. Despite these concerns, measures to fortify the jail’s perimeter had been pending for years. With the allocation of Rs 1.21 crore, the construction of the watchtowers is finally set to begin.
Multipurpose Hall To Be Constructed
In addition to enhancing surveillance, the state also approved Rs 2.80 crore for the construction of a multipurpose hall inside Arthur Road Jail. The 2,800-sqft hall will replace a small existing structure and will be used for educational, recreational and correctional programs. “We didn’t have a proper hall to conduct rehabilitation or entertainment activities. This new space will finally allow us to begin these processes,” said a senior jail official, as quoted by Hindustan Times. The jail, which was originally designed to hold 804 inmates, is perennially overcrowded, currently housing over 2,500 prisoners.
Additional Infrastucture Upgrades For Other Jails In Maharashtra
The state government also announced infrastructure upgrades for other prisons across Maharashtra. In Mumbai’s Byculla Jail, Rs 1.77 crore has been sanctioned for a new administrative office for the jail superintendent and senior officers. The jail will also get a permanent visitation hall for inmates, most of whom are women. An additional Rs 2.8 crore has been granted for a new kitchen and godown within the same facility.
In Thane Jail, Rs 1.32 crore has been allocated to expand the barracks for women inmates. Meanwhile, Harsul Central Jail in Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar will receive Rs 12.14 crore to construct a new open jail accommodating 100 inmates, including a separate unit for transgender prisoners.
Two more open jails are in the pipeline. In Akola, an all-women open jail is being developed at a cost of Rs 11.90 crore, while Kolhapur will house another open facility with a 150-inmate capacity, approved at Rs 14.25 crore.
