Houses received by BDD Chawl residents; Beginning of fulfillment of Mumbaikars’ dream of owning a home – Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis

BDD Chawl – 556 Rehabilitation Flats Key Distribution Ceremony

Mumbai, Aug 2025 : The government is continuously working to fulfill the dream of rightful homes for Mumbaikars. Today’s key distribution program has, in a way, stamped the government’s working method, said Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis in praise. The distribution of 556 flats built through redevelopment to BDD Chawl residents is the beginning of fulfilling the dream of rightful homes for Mumbaikars, said Chief Minister Mr. Fadnavis on this occasion.

At Yashwant Natya Mandir, Matunga, the Maharashtra Housing and Area Development Authority organized the 556 rehabilitation flats distribution ceremony. On this occasion, Chief Minister Mr. Fadnavis was addressing the audience present.

On the stage for the program were Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, Legislative Council Deputy Chairperson Dr. Neelam Gorhe, Skill, Employment, Entrepreneurship and Innovation Minister Mangal Prabhat Lodha, Cultural Affairs Minister Adv. Ashish Shelar, Minister of State for Housing Dr. Pankaj Bhoir, MP Milind Deora, MLAs Sunil Shinde, Kalidas Kolambkar, Sachin Ahir, Mahesh Sawant, former MLA Sada Sarvankar, Kiran Pawaskar, and others present.

Removing the long-standing obstacle to the redevelopment of BDD Chawls, the government has taken steps toward giving common Mumbaikars their rightful homes, said Chief Minister Mr. Fadnavis. For the past 20 to 25 years, this project was stalled due to various reasons. The government decided to implement this project directly through MHADA without appointing a private developer. Work was undertaken by inviting global tenders. Optimum use of space, solar energy, rainwater harvesting, waste management—such modern facilities have been included.

Even after the ground-breaking ceremony of this project, many difficulties arose. But with everyone’s cooperation, the difficulties were removed. Now, in the first phase, keys are being given to about 556 families. In October-November, the second phase will be completed, and in December, the third phase—after which all BDD Chawl residents in Worli will get homes.

The price for houses for police personnel has been fixed at only 15 lakh rupees, reduced from 50 lakh rupees. Therefore, police too will get rightful homes. Redevelopment of other old colonies including Abhyudaya Nagar and GTB Nagar has also started, said Chief Minister Mr. Fadnavis.

Dharavi redevelopment too has gained momentum, and this area with a population of over 10 lakh will be built as a “new city.” A decision has been taken to provide homes to all eligible residents here. For five years, businesses in Dharavi will be given tax concessions. Dharavi will become an industrial estate, and employment will also be created there itself.

The history of BDD Chawl is very long. In the walls of this chawl are hidden so many different types of stories and tales. These walls have witnessed the sorrow, joy, and progress of many families. These chawls are not just houses but a living history of Mumbai’s social and economic transformation, said Chief Minister Mr. Fadnavis.

The houses received by BDD Chawl residents are not just construction but a ‘golden’ investment for the next generations. This legacy must be given to the next generation, so no one should sell these houses, appealed Chief Minister Mr. Fadnavis.

BDD Chawl Redevelopment Project – A new ideal of quality redevelopment – Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde

The dream of rightful homes for thousands of families living in BDD Chawls for the past three to four generations is now becoming reality. Not just homes, but high quality, modern facilities, and long-term durability are the features of this redevelopment. This project is a new ideal of redevelopment, said Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde.

Deputy CM Mr. Shinde said: The same high quality as the “saleable component” in construction has been kept for the residents’ homes. Excellent materials and technology have been used so that these buildings last for the next 100 years and remain maintenance-free for 12 years. Space has been used to the fullest, proper layouts have been made, and construction has been done considering residents’ needs. In the BDD Chawls built during the British era for workers, people from various parts of the country have spent their lives. This area has witnessed workers’ movements, social agitations, and cultural developments. Now, in the same place, with modern buildings, open spaces, gardens, playgrounds, and facilities like a clubhouse, a “walk-to-work” concept is being implemented in reality. Provision should be made so that the ownership rights of these flats are in the name of women, instructed Deputy CM Mr. Shinde to the officials.

The state government has accelerated works like the metro network, highway projects such as Atal Setu, pothole-free roads, and city beautification. This will reduce traffic congestion, and the development of Mumbai-MMR will speed up. As per the housing policy, mill workers, slum dwellers, students, and working women have all been included. Due to cluster development in housing, open spaces, playgrounds, and society facilities are becoming available. Dharavi redevelopment will be the biggest stage in housing redevelopment, which people from around the world will come to see.

A smile of satisfaction on the face of everyone who received a key – Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar

The distribution of homes in the first phase under the BDD Chawl Redevelopment Scheme is an emotional moment. From old 160 sq. ft. houses, now residents are getting 500 sq. ft. fully equipped homes. Every resident who has received the key has a smile of satisfaction on their face, said Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar.

Deputy CM Mr. Pawar said: BDD Chawl, this “Mini India,” has played an important role in the country’s social, cultural, and political history. The United Maharashtra Movement, inspiration for revolutionaries, and socio-political developments have centered here. Revolutionaries like Vasudev Balwant Phadke emerged here. The living history of the chawl depicted in senior writer P. L. Deshpande’s ‘Batatyachi Chawl’ is still remembered today.

In this project, quality construction, proper use of space, and work worthy of residents’ trust have been done. Just like this project, the state government is committed to fulfilling Dharavi residents’ dream of a fully equipped home and improving the living standards of common citizens in Mumbai. Residents should not sell their homes under any temptation. This is the earning of your hard work, and it should be preserved. The housing projects and redevelopment projects being implemented in Mumbai will not be allowed to face a shortage of funds, assured Deputy CM Mr. Pawar.

In the introduction, Additional Chief Secretary of the Housing Department Asimkumar Gupta said this is the largest urban housing redevelopment project in Asia. MHADA has so far allotted 9 lakh houses. In the next five years, construction of 8 lakh houses is planned, he said.

On this occasion, keys and sweets were symbolically given to 16 residents at the hands of dignitaries. The program was hosted by Kalpana Sathe, and thanks were given by Mumbai Board CEO Mr. Borikar. The program was attended by Mumbai Building Repairs and Reconstruction Board CEO Milind Shambharkar, officers, and residents.

Fulfillment of BDD residents’ dream homes
Inspection of buildings and flats in Worli BDD Redevelopment Project by CM and Deputy CMs

For families living in the BDD Chawl of Worli for many generations, today was a special day. Before the allotment ceremony of flats in two rehabilitation buildings completed in the first phase of the BDD Chawl Redevelopment Project, the buildings were inaugurated at the hands of Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, and Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar. On this occasion, the dignitaries inspected the buildings and flats.

Present on this occasion were Legislative Council Deputy Chairperson Dr. Neelam Gorhe, MP Milind Deora, Minister Mangal Prabhat Lodha, Minister Adv. Ashish Shelar, Minister of State Dr. Pankaj Bhoir, Additional Chief Secretary of Housing and Urban Development Department Asimkumar Gupta, MHADA Mumbai Board CEO Milind Borikar, and others. Despite heavy rain, BDD residents attended and welcomed the CM and Deputy CMs.

Along with CM Mr. Fadnavis, Deputy CM Mr. Shinde, and Deputy CM Mr. Pawar, all dignitaries went to the 40th floor of the building, inspected a flat, and expressed satisfaction about the work. CEO Mr. Borikar gave information about the project.