PRISONS across Maharashtra are grappling with severe overcrowding, with most central and district jails housing inmates far beyond their capacity, according to information furnished by the Inspector General of Prisons in response to aRight to Information (RTI) application filed by activist Abhay Kolarkar. As per the data available till August 31, 2026, the State’s nine central prisons have a combined sanctioned capacity of 16,045 inmates, but are currently housing 27,979 prisoners, nearly 75 per cent above capacity. Similarly, 37 district jails in the State have a sanctioned capacity of 7,482 inmates, while the actual prison population stands at 11,365, reflecting an occupancy level of more than 150 per cent.

 

The overcrowding is overwhelmingly driven by male inmates. Central prisons have a sanctioned capacity for 15,426 male prisoners but are housing 27,195 men. In district jails, 10,922 male inmates are lodged against a sanctioned capacity of 6,937. Among central prisons, Mumbai Central Prison recorded the highest occupancy pressure. Against a sanctioned capacity of 999inmates, it housed 3,399 prisoners, more than three times its capacity. Thane Central Prison followed closely, accommodating 3,330 inmates against a capacity of 1,111. Yerawada Central Prison, one of the State’s largest prisons, housed 6,396 inmates against a sanctioned capacity of 2,767, making it the most populated prison in absolute numbers. Nashik Road Central Prison recorded 3,938 inmates against a capacity of 3,208, while Taloja Central Prison housed 3,222 inmates against its sanctioned strength of 2,324. Nagpur Central Jail houses 2,836 inmates against sanctioned capacity of 1,940, nearly 46 per cent above the sanctioned capacity. Among district jails, Kalyan District Jail reported the highest level of overcrowding.

 

The prison, with a sanctioned capacity of 540 inmates, housed 2,054 prisoners, nearly four times its authorised strength. Jalgaon District Jail followed with 751 inmates against a capacity of 274, while Osmanabad District Jail housed 261 inmates against a sanctioned capacity of 109. Yavatmal District Jail also reported significant overcrowding, lodging 556 inmates against a capacity of 248. The figures indicate a persistent strain on Maharashtra’s prison infrastructure, raising concerns about living conditions, security management, healthcare services and rehabilitation efforts within correctional facilities. The data highlights pressure on prison authorities as inmate population outnumber available accommodation across State.