The Maharashtra government has approved the master plan for the Rs 95,970-crore Dharavi redevelopment project, aiming to overhaul one of Asia’s largest slums within seven years.
The plan includes metro connectivity, upgraded housing, and industrial rehabilitation, and now awaits Cabinet approval. The project will be executed by Navbharat Mega Developers Private Ltd (NMDPL), a joint venture between the Adani Group and the Government of Maharashtra under the Dharavi Redevelopment Project (DRP) and Slum Rehabilitation Authority (SRA). Architect Hafeez Contractor has been roped in to lead the design. According to officials, 72,000 units—including nearly 50,000 residential and over 12,000 commercial/industrial spaces—will be rebuilt. Each eligible resident will receive a 350 sq. ft. flat, up from the standard 300 sq. ft. allotted in other schemes. An estimated 6 lakh people stand to benefit.
The plan also proposes a multi-modal transit hub directly connected to Mumbai Metro Line 11, with 108.99 hectares marked for development. Improved road, bus, and rail links are integral to the design. The initiative will organise the area into five industrial clusters for pottery, leather, food, garments, and waste recycling sectors. At a review meeting, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said the project must “preserve Dharavi’s economic and cultural character while transforming lives.” He stressed that every original resident should be included in the plan. Deputy CM Eknath Shinde added that a committee headed by a former Chief Justice will oversee the rehabilitation of 296 religious structures in consultation with locals. While the project has generated excitement for its scale and vision, it also faces opposition from unregistered residents and small-scale units, raising concerns over fair rehabilitation.
Fadnavis called Dharavi a transformative economic zone, urging authorities to integrate the voices and aspirations of residents. “Trust-building, empathy, and coordination are critical,” he said, emphasising a balance between progress and preservation. The redevelopment is expected to reshape Mumbai’s urban landscape, enhance livelihoods, and offer modern living without erasing Dharavi’s unique identity.
