The Adani-led Dharavi Redevelopment Project Private Ltd (DRPPL) has made a strategic move by requesting land parcels from the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) at the Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC). The request entails securing 17 acres of land to be utilised as a casting yard for housing machinery, given its proximity to Dharavi. This development comes as DRPPL, in a joint venture with the Maharashtra government, aims to expedite the much-anticipated redevelopment of Dharavi, one of Mumbai’s largest slum areas.
According to an official from DRPPL, a formal letter has been dispatched to the MMRDA detailing the necessity of the land to support the project’s logistical needs. The strategic location of BKC makes it an ideal spot for setting up a casting yard, which is crucial for the redevelopment activities in Dharavi.
However, an MMRDA official highlighted that a proposal must be submitted to the state government to evaluate the cost considerations before any decisive action is taken. There is a degree of scepticism within the MMRDA regarding the allocation of such a high-value land parcel, given the substantial financial implications. As per a government notification, if the land is allocated, it would be at 25 percent of the ready reckoner rate, which still represents a significant cost. The MMRDA is currently managing over Rs 3 lakh crore worth of infrastructure projects and has secured funding from various financial institutions. The monetisation of land assets has traditionally been a critical strategy for funding these extensive infrastructure undertakings. Therefore, the decision to allocate valuable land at BKC for the Dharavi redevelopment project will need careful consideration against the backdrop of ongoing and future projects.
The state government’s vision for Dharavi includes transforming it into a cluster of high-rise buildings with enhanced urban infrastructure. This ambitious plan aims to resettle approximately 68,000 residents, including both slum dwellers and commercial establishment owners, thereby improving the overall living conditions and urban landscape. The request for land at BKC highlights the substantial logistical and operational requirements of the Dharavi redevelopment project. The success of this project depends not only on financial investments but also on strategic planning and efficient resource allocation. As the state government considers the proposal, the decision will have significant implications for both the Dharavi redevelopment initiative and Mumbai’s broader urban development strategy.
The Dharavi redevelopment project represents a monumental shift in Mumbai’s urban planning and development narrative. With Adani’s involvement and the potential allocation of BKC land, the project is poised to transform one of the city’s most densely populated and underdeveloped areas into a modern urban enclave. As deliberations continue, stakeholders remain hopeful that the project will pave the way for improved living standards and robust urban infrastructure in Dharavi.
