In a major step toward transforming one of Asia’s largest informal settlements, the Maharashtra government has officially approved the master plan for the Dharavi Redevelopment Project. The decision marks a monumental moment in Mumbai’s urban development journey.
After nearly an hour-long meeting led by Maharashtra’s Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, the master blueprint for the mega redevelopment was cleared. This paves the way for what could become India’s most ambitious urban renewal project to date.
A Game-Changer for Dharavi
Dharavi, often referred to as a “city within a city,” has long been symbolic of Mumbai’s complex socio-economic fabric. Stretching across nearly 620 acres, it houses over 700,000 people, many living in cramped and unhygienic conditions, yet thriving through a robust local economy of tanneries, textiles, leather goods, and recycling industries.
The newly approved plan seeks to completely reimagine Dharavi — not just by replacing slums with buildings, but by turning it into a modern, eco-friendly, and inclusive township. According to the official roadmap, Dharavi will be transformed into a fully integrated residential-commercial-industrial zone, closely aligned with Mumbai’s leading business districts.
In fact, under the new plan, Dharavi is poised to become a business annex to Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC) — Mumbai’s premier financial hub.
How Big Is the Redevelopment?
Of the total 620 acres, approximately 296 acres have been earmarked for immediate redevelopment. The remaining areas will be gradually integrated as part of the larger transformation.
The numbers are staggering:
- 700,000+ residents to be impacted
- 1.3 lakh tenements expected to be surveyed
- Massive rehabilitation and infrastructure overhaul
The project also includes relocation and rehabilitation plans for eligible residents, aiming to provide modern housing with proper sanitation, water supply, and open spaces.
Who’s Behind the Project?
In January 2024, a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) was formed for the project. It’s a joint venture between the Government of Maharashtra and Adani Group’s subsidiary, Navbharat Mega Developers Pvt. Ltd.
This public-private partnership is expected to invest billions over the next several years to execute the vision of a “New Dharavi.” The government will facilitate land acquisition, clearances, and approvals, while Adani Group will manage construction, rehabilitation, and infrastructure development.
CM Devendra Fadnavis: Dharavi Will Not Lose Its Soul
Deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis, who personally led the clearance meeting, emphasized that while development is crucial, the essence of Dharavi must be preserved.
“The Dharavi Redevelopment will move ahead without losing its soul,” he posted on X (formerly Twitter).
Fadnavis acknowledged that Dharavi is a powerful micro-economy with thousands of small-scale businesses that should be nurtured, not displaced. He insisted on ensuring that the redevelopment is eco-friendly, that no eligible resident is left behind, and that rehabilitation is guaranteed.
Where Does the Survey Stand?
One of the foundational steps in the project is identifying eligible residents. According to S.V.R. Srinivas, CEO of the Dharavi Redevelopment Authority:
- Over 1.02 lakh tenements have already been surveyed
- The final count is expected to reach 1.3 lakh
- A 10% margin of error is considered, and the full survey is projected to be completed within the next 60 days
These surveys are critical in determining who qualifies for free rehabilitation and who might require alternative options.
Concerns Over Transparency and Fairness
Despite the optimism surrounding the redevelopment, not everyone is on board. Mumbai Congress President Varsha Gaikwad has raised serious concerns about the lack of transparency in the approval process.
She alleged that the master plan was approved without proper consultation with Dharavi residents, and that legal procedures were bypassed.
Adding to the friction, advocate Karunanidhi Anand has demanded that Adani Group set up eligibility camps and offer documentation assistance to residents, warning that failure to do so could trigger widespread legal and political backlash.
Balancing Dreams with Reality
The Dharavi Redevelopment Project has been discussed for over two decades, with several failed attempts along the way. However, the current plan—backed by a powerful public-private alliance—appears to have the strongest momentum yet.
The proposed redevelopment is not just about physical transformation. It’s also about:
- Creating a sustainable urban ecosystem
- Integrating economic, residential, and social infrastructure
- Preserving livelihoods while uplifting quality of life
The idea is to give Dharavi’s residents a dignified life in modern apartments, while retaining local jobs and industries within planned commercial hubs.
The Road Ahead: Opportunities and Challenges
The coming months will be crucial. The government must balance urgency with transparency, ensuring that no group is left unheard. The project also faces significant challenges:
- Legal hurdles from opposition groups
- Logistical complexity of shifting and resettling over 700,000 people
- Ensuring timely completion of infrastructure and housing
Yet, if successful, Dharavi’s transformation could become a global model for large-scale urban renewal, showcasing how cities can evolve without erasing identity.
Dharavi: From Slum to Smart Township
If all goes according to plan, Dharavi will be unrecognizable a decade from now — not because it has been wiped clean, but because it has been rebuilt with dignity, sustainability, and economic potential.
Imagine:
- Tidy residential towers replacing cramped chawls
- Commercial avenues humming with local businesses
- Industrial zones modernized with eco-friendly units
- Parks, schools, clinics, and civic spaces integrated into community life
For the residents, it could mean healthier living, more opportunities, and upward mobility. For Mumbai, it’s a chance to unlock the true economic and human potential of a long-overlooked part of the city.
In Conclusion: A Defining Moment for Mumbai
Today’s approval of the Dharavi Redevelopment Master Plan is more than just a bureaucratic milestone — it’s a bold declaration that Mumbai is ready to rewrite its urban future.
Whether this vision succeeds will depend not only on cranes and concrete but on collaboration, trust, and sustained accountability. As one of the most anticipated development projects in India, all eyes will be on Dharavi in the coming years.
Stay tuned to Real Estate News in 60 Seconds for further updates as this historic transformation unfolds.