Keys Handed Over to 265 Residents of Old Chikhalwadi After 25-Year Wait

Mumbai, March 2026 : The redevelopment of Old Chikhalwadi in Mumbai’s Grant Road area has been completed, paving the way for 265 residents to move into their rightful homes. In the presence of Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, keys to the new homes were formally handed over to the residents.

The rehabilitation of Old Chikhalwadi had been pending for the past 25 years. During this period, 36 developers attempted to undertake the redevelopment. Finally, as the 37th developer, Shripati Developers, in association with MLA Parag Shah, took up and successfully completed the project. The construction was completed within just two years, making it possible to provide homes to all 265 residents. On this occasion, keys were symbolically handed over to a few beneficiaries.

The event was attended by MLA Parag Shah, MHADA Chairman Sanjeev Jaiswal, Chief Officer Milind Shambharkar, Shripati Developers’ Satish Chaturvedi, Old Chikhalwadi Residents’ Association President Surekha Parab, General Secretary Chintaman Dalvi, and a large number of residents.

Deputy Chief Minister Shinde said that owning a home is a dream for everyone, and it was a matter of special joy that the long-cherished dream of Old Chikhalwadi residents had finally come true. He noted that due to the approval of the cluster redevelopment scheme and the incentives granted under it, families earlier living in 120 sq ft homes have now received spacious 585 sq ft 2-BHK apartments. He added that the developer had provided high-quality homes to residents, comparable to saleable apartments, along with amenities such as a gym, library, and a community hall.

Shinde recalled that the late Balasaheb Thackeray had envisioned providing homes to 40 lakh people in Mumbai. By approving cluster redevelopment schemes, the government is working to fulfil that vision, he said. He added that efforts would also be made through MHADA to implement cluster redevelopment for non-cess buildings. He mentioned that the long-pending redevelopment of Ramabai Ambedkar Nagar in Ghatkopar has been expedited, with a 17,000-home project underway through the SRA and MMRDA, while cluster projects in Thane are being implemented through the Thane Municipal Corporation and CIDCO. In addition, stalled projects abandoned by developers in Mumbai will be accelerated through authorities such as MHADA, SRA, BMC, MMRDA, MSRDC, and MahaPreet.

Shinde stated that he does not hesitate to reward developers who deliver homes on time, while taking strict action against those who harass people. He emphasised that the government’s objective is to bring back Mumbai residents who were forced to move out due to stalled redevelopment projects, and hence cluster schemes are being actively promoted.

He also recalled that during the COVID-19 period, the government reduced premiums by 50 per cent and provided a 50 per cent concession in stamp duty to give relief to developers and homebuyers in Mumbai.

Shinde further said that after becoming Housing Minister, several landmark decisions were taken, including approval of a new housing policy. Under this policy, affordable homes have been earmarked for salaried employees, workers, women, senior citizens, and Mumbai’s dabbawalas. He also announced approval for Mumbai’s first hostel for working women at Tardeo.

Color TVs for Old Chikhalwadi Residents on Shinde’s Request

As the residents received the keys to their new homes, Deputy Chief Minister Shinde expressed that they should also receive a gift along with their homes. He strongly requested developer Satish Chaturvedi to provide a television to each household. Respecting his request, Chaturvedi agreed to gift a 24-inch colour TV to every resident along with their new home.