The Maharashtra state government’s historic printing press, located along Marine Drive, is set for redevelopment to make way for a sprawling Udyog Bhavan, according to a report by Hindustan Times. P Velarasu, Chief Executive Officer of the Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation (MIDC), confirmed that the plan has received approval, with all necessary permissions from the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) in place.
Established in 1855, the printing press is one of the oldest government offices in the Marine Drive precinct. It has played a crucial role in printing key documents, including state cabinet agendas, legislature papers, government reports, white papers, and confidential materials. At one time, it also printed examination question papers for Mumbai University, The Hindustan Times noted.
The complex, already named the Ratan Tata Udyog Bhavan, is expected to cost Rs 800 crore, according to MIDC estimates. The project will replace the two existing structures of the printing press — a ground-plus-two-storey building and a ground-plus-four-storey building—with two new wings. Wing A will be a ground-plus-four-storey structure, while Wing B will have six storeys. MIDC Chief Engineer Prakash Chavan explained that although there is a sufficient Floor Space Index (FSI), height restrictions apply because of the area’s location within the Marine Drive precinct. The redevelopment is expected to be completed within three years.
As part of the plan, MIDC will construct 46,918 square meters of office space, of which 29,254 square meters will be allocated to the printing press. The state government envisions the new Udyog Bhavan as a hub for fostering industrial growth while retaining a part of the region’s historical legacy, according to the Hindustan Times report.
The redevelopment aims to provide more sophisticated office spaces for IAS officers and officials who interact with industrialists and foreign delegations. Currently, the Development Commissioner, tasked with attracting investments, operates from the new administrative building opposite Mantralaya, while the Industries Secretary works from the Mantralaya annexe. Both offices are considered inadequate, with important meetings often held at the state guesthouse, Sahyadri. The upcoming Udyog Bhavan will offer modern, and elegant facilities, including spacious meeting halls and offices for the MIDC and the industries department.
