Mumbai, June 8: Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has directed officials to develop Dharavi on the lines of modern housing projects in Singapore and Hong Kong while ensuring that the interests, livelihoods, and unique cultural identity of Dharavi residents remain at the center of the ambitious redevelopment project.
Reviewing the Dharavi Redevelopment Project at Sahyadri Guest House in Mumbai, Fadnavis said the initiative is not merely a construction project but a comprehensive effort aimed at the holistic development of Dharavi’s residents.
The Chief Minister emphasized that the entire social and industrial ecosystem of Dharavi must be preserved. While commercial development is an important component of the project, public welfare should remain the top priority. He stressed the need to protect employment opportunities and livelihoods for local residents.
Highlighting the importance of Kumbharwada, Dharavi’s renowned pottery cluster, Fadnavis noted that it is not only a centre for traditional pottery but also an important cultural and tourism landmark. He instructed officials to consult stakeholders and devise solutions that preserve its distinctive identity.
The redevelopment plan also includes the creation of a Nature Park and several environmental initiatives. The Chief Minister directed authorities to ensure ecological balance through tree transplantation and large-scale plantation drives.
Calling the project one of Maharashtra’s most significant urban redevelopment initiatives, Fadnavis said that at least 10,000 homes should be handed over to residents by 2028 in the first phase. He also proposed the establishment of a special single-window clearance mechanism to facilitate speedy approvals and permissions.
Officials informed the meeting that the project is being designed to promote employment generation, women’s empowerment, support for small businesses, and the development of modern infrastructure. A dedicated MSME support framework is being prepared to safeguard Dharavi’s key industries, including leather manufacturing, textiles, recycling, pottery, and food processing. Plans are also underway to develop modern cloud kitchen facilities for food entrepreneurs.
Eligible residents will receive modern homes equipped with separate kitchens, bedrooms, toilets, and adequate natural lighting. Dedicated sanitation facilities for women will also be an important feature of the redevelopment.
India’s First Multi-Modal Transport Hub
One of the project’s most ambitious components is the development of India’s first state-of-the-art multi-modal transport hub in Dharavi. The facility will integrate the Western, Central, and Harbour railway networks with multiple Metro corridors.
Future plans also envision connectivity with the Mumbai-Ahmedabad Bullet Train. The transport hub will offer city check-in facilities for airline passengers, allowing travelers to check in their baggage at Dharavi before proceeding to the airport via the Airport Express system. The infrastructure is being planned on the lines of global transport hubs in Singapore and Hong Kong.
The project also proposes a fast water transport jetty connecting to the airport and a future-ready vertiport for air taxi services. The hub will bring together rail, metro, road, waterway, and air transport facilities at a single location.
BKC-Dharavi Corridor to Get International-Standard Makeover
As part of the redevelopment initiative, the corridor between Dharavi and Bandra-Kurla Complex (BKC) will undergo extensive beautification. Plans include landscaped green medians, pedestrian-friendly walkways, and modern urban design features.
Existing bus depot land will be redeveloped into modern residential and commercial complexes, transforming the Dharavi-BKC region into an internationally benchmarked urban district.
Project Completion Targeted Within 10 Years
According to officials, rehabilitation buildings in Dharavi are expected to be completed within 42 months, while rehabilitation projects in the Matunga area are scheduled for completion within 39 months.
The first phase of the redevelopment is targeted for completion and handover by March 2028. The overall project is expected to be completed within the next decade.
The Chief Minister expressed confidence that coordinated efforts by all departments would ensure the timely completion of the project, giving Mumbai a new global identity while preserving Dharavi’s social, cultural, and economic fabric.
