Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has said that the ambitious Dharavi Redevelopment Project will be carried out on the lines of modern urban housing developments in Singapore and Hong Kong, while ensuring that the interests, livelihoods, and unique identity of Dharavi's residents remain at the centre of the initiative.
Chairing a review meeting of the Dharavi Redevelopment Project at Sahyadri Guest House, Fadnavis directed officials and project developers to model the redevelopment on modern housing projects in Singapore and Hong Kong while preserving Dharavi’s unique social, cultural, and economic character.
“The Dharavi Redevelopment Project is not merely a construction initiative but a comprehensive development programme for its residents. The people of Dharavi must remain at the centre of the project,” Fadnavis said.
The Chief Minister emphasised that while commercial development forms part of the project, public welfare must remain the top priority. He stressed the need to protect employment opportunities and livelihoods within Dharavi’s established industrial and social ecosystem.
Focus on Heritage and Local Industries
Fadnavis highlighted the importance of preserving Dharavi’s iconic Kumbharwada pottery district, describing it as an integral part of Mumbai’s cultural and tourism landscape. He instructed officials to consult stakeholders and develop solutions that retain the area's distinctive identity.
The project will also include a Nature Park and extensive environmental measures, including tree transplantation and fresh plantation drives to maintain ecological balance.
10,000 Homes Planned by 2028
Calling the redevelopment one of Maharashtra’s most ambitious urban renewal projects, Fadnavis directed authorities to plan for the delivery of at least 10,000 homes to eligible residents by 2028. He also proposed the creation of a special facilitation cell to expedite approvals and permissions required for the project.
Officials informed the meeting that rehabilitation housing, infrastructure development, railway land redevelopment, environmental clearances, and relocation activities are progressing in phases, with adequate funding already secured.
Special Support for MSMEs and Women's Empowerment
Project authorities stated that special emphasis is being placed on employment generation, women’s empowerment, and the protection of Dharavi’s small-scale industries. Dedicated MSME support schemes are being prepared for key sectors such as leather manufacturing, textiles, recycling, pottery, and food processing.
Plans are also underway to establish modern cloud kitchens for food businesses operating in the area.
Eligible residents will receive modern homes equipped with separate kitchens, bedrooms, toilets, and improved natural lighting. Dedicated sanitation facilities for women will also form a key part of the redevelopment plan.
India’s First Multi-Modal Transport Hub
A major feature of the redevelopment project will be the construction of India’s first state-of-the-art multi-modal transport hub within Dharavi. The facility will integrate Western, Central, and Harbour railway lines along with multiple Metro corridors. Authorities are also exploring future connectivity with the Mumbai-Ahmedabad Bullet Train project.
The hub is expected to feature a city check-in facility for airline passengers, enabling travelers to check in their baggage in Dharavi before reaching the airport via the Airport Express system, similar to facilities available in Singapore and Hong Kong.
Plans also include a fast jetty for water transport to the airport and the development of a vertiport to support future air taxi services, creating a seamless integration of rail, metro, road, water, and air transport.
BKC–Dharavi Corridor to Get International Makeover
As part of the redevelopment initiative, the corridor between Bandra-Kurla Complex (BKC) and Dharavi will undergo extensive beautification. The project includes green boulevards, pedestrian-friendly infrastructure, and modern urban design. Existing bus depot land will be redeveloped into modern residential and commercial complexes.
Officials said the transformation would help create an internationally benchmarked urban district connecting Dharavi and BKC.
Project Completion Target Set at 10 Years
According to project authorities, rehabilitation buildings within Dharavi are expected to be completed within 42 months, while rehabilitation work in Matunga is scheduled for completion within 39 months. The first phase is targeted for completion and handover by March 2028, with the overall project expected to be completed within the next decade.
The review meeting was attended by senior government officials, representatives of the Dharavi Redevelopment Project, municipal authorities, and executives from the Adani Group.
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