Mumbai’s long-standing challenge of informal housing is set to enter a decisive phase, with the state government outlining a time-bound strategy to transition the city towards formal, serviced housing over the next decade. At the centre of this effort is the Dharavi redevelopment, positioned as a template for large-scale urban renewal that integrates housing delivery with infrastructure, mobility, and economic opportunity.
Senior government officials indicated that the roadmap aims to replace fragmented slum-upgrading efforts with a coordinated redevelopment framework. The approach links in-situ rehabilitation, transit-oriented planning, and utility modernisation to reduce pressure on land while improving living conditions for residents. For a city where informal settlements house a significant share of the workforce, the initiative has implications not just for shelter, but also for productivity, public health, and climate resilience. Urban planners note that Dharavi’s scale makes it a test case for whether dense, inner-city redevelopment can be both socially inclusive and financially viable. The proposed model prioritises formal housing with clear tenure, access to sanitation, and proximity to employment clusters. By aligning housing with upgraded transport corridors and last-mile connectivity, planners argue the project could reduce daily commute times and emissions, supporting Mumbai’s broader low-carbon mobility goals.
From an economic perspective, the redevelopment is expected to unlock underutilised land while safeguarding livelihoods embedded in Dharavi’s micro-industries. Industry experts highlight that integrating commercial spaces, light manufacturing zones, and skill centres into residential layouts will be critical to preventing displacement. “Housing cannot be separated from jobs in a city like Mumbai,” an urban economist said, adding that mixed-use planning would determine whether the Dharavi redevelopment strengthens or fragments local economies. Infrastructure upgrades form another pillar of the plan. Officials point to stormwater management, decentralised sewage treatment, and energy-efficient buildings as core design elements, reflecting lessons from recent monsoon disruptions and heat stress events. Climate-responsive construction, including improved ventilation and materials suited to high-density living, is expected to reduce long-term operating costs for both residents and civic bodies.
However, execution remains the defining challenge. Past slum redevelopment schemes have faced delays due to financing gaps, consent issues, and coordination failures across agencies. Policy analysts stress that transparent timelines, community participation, and independent monitoring will be essential to maintain credibility. Equally important is ensuring that women, migrant workers, and informal-sector households are not marginalised in allocation or design. If implemented as outlined, Mumbai’s slum transition strategy could recalibrate how Indian cities address housing deficits—moving from incremental upgrades to integrated urban regeneration. The coming years will test whether the city can translate ambition into liveable neighbourhoods that balance density with dignity.
Mumbai Slum Renewal Plan Targets Next Decade
