A major affordable housing initiative has been approved in Borivali West, where an integrated township for low-income families is to be developed across 28.84 acres of land in Shimpoli and mainland Gorai. The project has been cleared by the Maharashtra government and is expected to be completed within three to four years. It has been described as the first integrated township in a metro city in Maharashtra to be taken up under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana-Urban.
The proposal was presented before Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis by officials of the Maharashtra Housing Development Corporation, or MahaHousing, after which approval was granted. It has been stated that the land identified for the development is presently owned by two government-linked telecom entities. The Gorai plot is held by Bharat Sanchar Nigam Ltd, while the Shimpoli parcel is under Mahanagar Telephone Nigam Limited. A transfer of the land to MahaHousing has been approved at the Ready Reckoner rate, and the estimated cost has been placed at ₹729 crore.
The project has been planned for families belonging to the economically weaker sections and low-income groups. Through this initiative, the stock of affordable housing in Mumbai’s western suburbs is expected to be improved. At the same time, the state government’s efforts to expand urban housing access under centrally sponsored schemes are expected to be strengthened. The project has therefore been viewed not merely as a construction plan, but as a larger policy-driven intervention in affordable urban development.
A broad range of amenities has been included in the proposed township plan. It has been said by officials that a school, hospital, playground, cultural centre and commercial area will be developed within the township. In addition, a skill development centre is to be set up so that employment-oriented training may be provided to the youth. By including such facilities, the project is being shaped as a self-contained residential community rather than a basic housing cluster. This approach is being seen as important because the quality of life of residents is intended to be improved alongside access to affordable shelter.
The housing units themselves are expected to measure around 450 square feet and are to be offered at affordable rates. This size has been considered suitable for the intended beneficiary groups under PMAY-U. It has also been highlighted that the township will benefit from strong future connectivity. The presence of two metro stations and the proposed Versova-Dahisar coastal road is expected to make travel easier for residents and increase the project’s practical value in the long term.
Urgency has also been attached to the early execution of the project. MahaHousing Managing Director Tryambak Kasar has said that instructions have been given by the Chief Minister to speed up the land transfer from BSNL and MTNL so that work may begin without delay. A ground-breaking ceremony is expected to be held within two to three months. It has also been stated by Kasar that this development is not to be treated as just another housing project, since important public amenities are to be built into it from the start.
Share
Tweet
