How fire-proof are Mumbai's hotels, dormitories? Reality check reveals gaps

Some of Mumbai’s hotels and dormitories in key locations showed visible gaps in fire safety preparedness, avoided scrutiny or displayed shortcomings in emergency response systems, while some other establishments claimed strict compliance with safety norms, an India Today reality check revealed.

The inspection, across several hospitality establishments in Mumbai, focusing particularly on South Mumbai areas close to Ballard Estate, CSMT, Fort and the dock region, comes against the backdrop of heightened concerns over fire safety violations in hospitality establishments following the deadly fire at a Bed and Breakfast (BnB) facility in South Delhi, that killed at least 21 on Wednesday.

At Hotel Dolphin near Ballard Estate in South Mumbai, an area that witnesses heavy tourist and business footfall, the reality check revealed apparent concerns regarding emergency access and visible fire safety arrangements. The ground-plus-four-storey structure functions both as a hotel catering to tourists and visitors and as a boys’ hostel.

When the India Today team initially approached the reception staff off camera, hotel representatives discussed room availability and asked how many rooms were required. However, once informed that the visitors were reporters conducting a reality check on fire safety measures, the staff declined to provide details regarding fire systems, entry and exit arrangements or safety protocols.

The reception staff later claimed that civil work was underway at the property and refused to comment further on camera, asking the media crew to leave the premises.

A visual inspection showed only a single visible entry and exit point at the property, while no fire safety systems were clearly visible near the reception area.

In contrast, Pavilion Dormitory on PD’Mello Road presented a comparatively organised fire safety setup, though certain concerns still emerged during the inspection.

Located close to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) and the Indira Docks area, the dormitory operates in an over 80-year-old building and accommodates around 20 beds as permitted by the Mumbai Port Trust and the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC).

Dormitory manager Pritu Chaurasia told India Today that all required fire safety measures were in place and claimed that inspections are conducted regularly by civic authorities and the Mumbai Port Trust.

"Authorities from the Port Trust and BMC regularly conduct checks and we have all the required NOCs to operate the dormitory," Chaurasia said.

Fire extinguishers and fire boxes were present, along with both front and rear exit points. However, the rear emergency exit gate was found locked at the time of the visit.

When questioned about the locked emergency gate, Chaurasia said it had been shut because the air conditioning was running, while maintaining that the gate is usually kept open.

Meanwhile, the City Hotel opposite the UNESCO World Heritage Site Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus in Mumbai’s Fort area projected a significantly stronger level of preparedness and regulatory compliance.

The hotel, operated by Parvez Ghaswala, claimed to possess a valid fire No Objection Certificate (NOC), also referred to as the B Form, issued on January 1.

Ghaswala said the hotel regularly renews its licences and fire safety approvals every year and has installed multiple safety systems across the premises.

"We regularly renew the licences in the department every year. Earlier, we used to renew the licence along with the NOC. We continue to do that even now," he said.

He further claimed that the hotel had water-type fire extinguishers, functioning motor and pump systems, sprinkler arrangements, dedicated fire water storage tanks and pipeline systems running from the ground floor up to the sixth floor.

"All our pipeline systems and motors are functioning properly. Every year we renew the fire extinguisher system and the related pump systems. Since the building is very old, we have to submit these documents every year," Ghaswala said.

"If you look around, there are complete fire extinguishing arrangements, around 10 pipes installed, fire buckets filled with water, and pipe systems connected from the ground floor up to the sixth floor," he added.

The hotel management also claimed that regular inspections are carried out by the BMC and other authorities to ensure compliance with fire safety norms.

The reality check highlighted the uneven levels of preparedness among Mumbai’s older hospitality establishments, particularly in densely populated South Mumbai areas where ageing buildings, heavy occupancy and narrow access points can pose serious challenges during emergencies.

While some establishments appeared equipped with documented fire safety infrastructure and regulatory clearances, others either declined scrutiny or displayed shortcomings such as restricted emergency exits and limited visible safety systems, underlining continuing concerns over enforcement and compliance in the city’s hospitality sector.