The Maharashtra government has operationalised a long-awaited detention centre in Mumbai to house Bangladeshi nationals and other foreign migrants residing illegally in the state.
According to the Maharashtra Home Department, the detention facility has been set up in the Bhoiwada area of the city and became operational on March 20 this year.
Officials stated that the centre has a capacity to accommodate around 150 individuals. Special arrangements have also been made to house women and children, ensuring the availability of basic facilities for them.
At present, around 10 to 15 Bangladeshi nationals, including some women, are being held at the facility. These individuals were reportedly residing illegally in Mumbai and were detained during enforcement drives.
For several years, discussions had been ongoing regarding the need for such a detention centre in Mumbai. Sources in the Home Department confirmed that the facility is now fully functional and detainees have already been lodged there.
In recent times, the Mumbai Police have intensified their crackdown on illegal foreign nationals. During the 2025–26 period alone, more than 2,500 Bangladeshi citizens were apprehended across the city.
Authorities said that the increasing number of such cases had created a strong need for a dedicated detention centre. With the facility now operational, officials expect improved management of detainees and smoother execution of legal procedures going forward.