Rapid Redevelopment Essential for a Slum-Free Mumbai : Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis CRDAI-MCHI Hosts ‘Change of Guard’ Ceremony

Sukhraj Nahar Assumes Office as CRDAI-MCHI President

Mumbai, Aug 2025: “If Mumbai is to become slum-free, redevelopment must be expedited. We cannot rely on projects that drag on for decades. By initiating projects, preparing plots within a year-and-a-quarter, and completing rehabilitation buildings in the following year, the dream of a slum-free Mumbai can be realized. This transformation can also be achieved through new ideas, advanced technology, and innovation,” stated Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis.

In the presence of CM Fadnavis, Sukhraj Nahar formally assumed office today as President of CRDAI-MCHI during the ‘Change of Guard’ ceremony organized by the body. The event was attended by former CRDAI President Dominic Romal, Secretary Rishi Mehta, former Secretary Dhaval Ajmera, CEO Keval Valambia, and other eminent figures from the real estate sector.

The Chief Minister highlighted that redevelopment is currently underway on a large scale in Mumbai. He cited the BDD Chawl redevelopment, where residents previously living in 161 sq. ft. homes for nearly a century are now being provided 500 sq. ft. spaces — making it one of Asia’s largest urban redevelopment projects. Alongside redevelopment, slum redevelopment and cluster development are creating significant opportunities. He noted that Mumbai now boasts world-class architecture, iconic buildings, and excellent infrastructure.

CM Fadnavis emphasized the importance of bringing global construction technologies to Mumbai. With these technologies, an 80-storey building can be constructed in just 120 days. Key infrastructure projects are also in progress: the Bandra–Versova Sea Link is 60% complete and expected to finish in two years, with extensions underway to Dahisar and Bhayander. Additionally, the Western Expressway handles 60% of the city’s traffic, and new parallel connections from the C-Link to Bhayander–Virar are being developed, eventually extending to the port — opening the entire northern region to real estate development.

Pointing out that Maharashtra was the first state to implement RERA, CM Fadnavis said that recommendations from MCHI helped improve the law, making it more effective. The implementation of RERA has increased public confidence in real estate. CRDAI-MCHI now annually organizes exhibitions that bring together regulators, financial institutions, and the real estate sector, fostering trustworthy transactions. Mumbai’s MCHI exhibition is among the country’s best, strengthening relationships with customers.

The Chief Minister highlighted that developing a futuristic city plan for Mumbai required navigating diverse challenges due to its coastal location and multiple regulations from CRZ, army, navy, and forest departments. CRDAI-MCHI played a leading role in coordinating the industry for this process.

CM Fadnavis further stated that the Atal Setu has opened opportunities to build a “Third Mumbai.” The new city, named Azyu City, will be a few minutes from the airport. With government permission for foreign universities to set up campuses in India, world-class education will be available here. Plans are underway to host 12 top global universities on 300 acres, with land and shared infrastructure provided by the state. Seven universities have already signed agreements, with some campuses starting immediately. Once operational, the city will house 100,000 resident students, generating significant economic and social activity.