Redevelopment of Dharavi Is Our Social Commitment – Deputy CM Eknath Shinde

Dharavi to Become Mumbai’s Most Planned Redeveloped Urban Area

Mumbai : Dharavi, once known as Asia’s largest slum, will soon emerge as the most well-planned and redeveloped urban locality in Mumbai. Shedding its old image, Dharavi is set to become a symbol of social justice and economic empowerment. Speaking to the media, Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde said that all relevant departments are working in coordination, and every effort is being made to remove existing hurdles. He was briefing the press following a review meeting on the Dharavi Redevelopment Project chaired by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis at the Sahyadri Guest House.

Shinde highlighted that the ₹95,790 crore mega project, with 20% participation by the state government and 80% by the Adani Group, is not just a housing scheme. Rather, it is aimed at transforming the lives of Dharavi residents. “The redevelopment of Dharavi is not merely a dream, it is our social pledge. Through this project, residents will not only receive rightful homes but will also be introduced to an entirely new way of life,” he asserted.

He further noted that the project will serve as a model not just for infrastructure development but also for employment, education, healthcare, and social harmony. “It is a historic step towards building a ‘Smart Mumbai’,” he added.

Dharavi spans 253 hectares, out of which 174 hectares are earmarked for redevelopment. The project will be implemented jointly by the Slum Rehabilitation Authority and the Dharavi Redevelopment Project. A Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV), NM DPL, has been set up for this, with the government holding 20% equity and Adani Properties holding 80%.

A total of 72,000 units will be rehabilitated, including 49,832 residential units and 12,458 industrial or commercial units. Around 6 lakh people stand to benefit. The plan includes building educational institutions, health centers, police stations, fire stations, marketplaces, and libraries on over 38,000 sq. meters of land.

Positive Lifestyle Transformation for Dharavi Residents

The redevelopment plan includes the creation of a multi-modal transit hub in Dharavi, which will be directly linked to Metro Line 11. Of the total land area, 108.99 hectares will undergo development based on the concept of a smart, walkable city. The layout is being designed to ensure every civic amenity is accessible within 5, 10, or 15 minutes.

Dharavi – A Microcosm of All Religions

Dharavi is home to 296 religious sites including temples, dargahs, mosques, and churches. A committee led by a former Chief Justice has been set up to oversee the rehabilitation of these places. All decisions will be made lawfully and in consultation with the residents of Dharavi.

To ensure accuracy and transparency, Digital Twin technology and Tenet Management systems will be employed. Aerial surveys using drones and LiDAR technology have already covered 79,455 homes, and documentation is currently underway.

Deputy CM Shinde concluded by emphasizing that this redevelopment project will bring about a positive transformation in the daily lives of Dharavi’s people, while preserving its unique cultural fabric and religious diversity.