Mumbai, July 17 -- Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis told the state assembly on July 7 that the Dharavi redevelopment project first phase, of around 10,000 rehabilitation homes, is expected to be completed within 18 months. The announcement places the scheme at a new delivery stage after long planning. The chief minister presented the phase as a key milestone in urban renewal.
The state has identified 19 cluster redevelopment projects across Mumbai, with Dharavi as the flagship model. The Maharashtra Housing and Area Development Authority (MHADA) and the Slum Rehabilitation Authority (SRA) are pursuing cluster development to upgrade old buildings and slum pockets. Officials said the approach is intended to preserve open space and improve civic infrastructure.
Spread across nearly 600 acres, the redevelopment aims to create a modern, integrated and transit-oriented neighbourhood with formal residences, wider roads and enhanced public amenities. The plan includes healthcare and educational facilities and seeks to retain Dharavi's social fabric and informal economic networks. Execution has progressed from planning towards construction for the first phase.
The area hosts thousands of small-scale manufacturing and home-based enterprises, and the project proposes dedicated commercial and industrial spaces to formalise livelihoods. Authorities have emphasised continuity of local economic activity alongside housing delivery.
The scheme began in January 2025 and is being implemented in phases. Navbharat Mega Developers Private Limited (NMDPL), the Adani Group's special purpose vehicle and a joint venture with the Government of Maharashtra, won the bid in November 2022 and committed Rs50.69 bn to start work. NMDPL has a seven-year deadline for the rehabilitation homes while the state has a 17-year horizon for full redevelopment.
Officials said about 0.125-0.15 mn new homes will be constructed to rehabilitate about 1.0 mn residents, with each eligible resident to receive a 350 sq ft unit. Those deemed ineligible will be relocated to rental housing on a hire-purchase basis and the state has earmarked about 540 acres across the Mumbai Metropolitan Region for relocations. The authorities characterised the endeavour as an effort to deliver inclusive urban transformation while managing complex social and logistical challenges.
Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Construction World.