The Dharavi Redevelopment Project Private Limited (DRPPL), an SPV formed by the Maharashtra government in collaboration with the Adani Group, has requested a strategic 15-acre land lease in the Bandra-Kurla Complex (BKC) from the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA). This lease, sought for a duration of five years, aims to utilise the previously used metro works casting yard for storing heavy machinery essential for the ambitious Dharavi redevelopment project.
The MMRDA is currently deliberating over this request. In addition to the BKC plot, DRPPL is actively exploring other land options outside the Dharavi slum area to support this extensive redevelopment initiative. On 13 March 2024, the Railway Land Development Authority (RLDA) transferred 27.57 acres, including a scrapyard near Mahim station, to DRPPL.
Moreover, DRPPL has requested an additional 12 acres of land from the Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST) undertaking. This request targets two bus depots in Sion East—Dharavi and Kalakilla. Constructed in 1980 and January 2016 respectively, these depots have the capacity to park approximately 300 buses. The 12-acre area also encompasses the BEST transport division, power supply division offices, staff housing for 60 personnel, and amenities for drivers and conductors.
In February 2024, the Maharashtra cabinet approved a proposal to request the Centre to lease 283.4 acres of salt pan land at the current market value for the Dharavi Redevelopment Project. This proposal is unique as it seeks a 99-year lease, deviating from the usual 30-year government land lease policy.
The Dharavi Redevelopment Project, initiated in October 2022, involved a global tender for the redevelopment of Asia’s largest slum, spread over 240 hectares in Mumbai’s prime real estate. The Adani Group emerged victorious in the bidding process in November 2022, committing an initial investment of Rs 5,069 crore.
The redevelopment plans include constructing approximately 1-1.5 lakh tenements of 350 square feet each for eligible residents. This transformation aims to integrate the sprawling Dharavi slums into the modern urban landscape of Mumbai, reducing residential segregation and promoting seamless integration of Dharavi residents with the broader city populace.
The envisioned redevelopment of Dharavi not only promises to improve the living conditions of its inhabitants but also to revamp the slum into a progressive and vibrant part of Mumbai. By acquiring strategic plots like the one in BKC, DRPPL is taking crucial steps towards achieving this monumental transformation.
