Dharavi, one of Asia’s largest informal settlements, is set for a monumental transformation with the planned development of a Central Business District (CBD) as part of its ₹96,000 crore redevelopment project. This ambitious undertaking, led by a joint venture between the Maharashtra government and a private group, aims to formalise existing unorganised businesses and ignite new commercial activity. It signals a profound commitment to fostering sustainable urban renewal, equitable economic growth, and a more integrated future for this iconic Mumbai precinct.
The creation of a dedicated Central Business District within Dharavi is a cornerstone of this unprecedented redevelopment initiative. Carved out of land not reserved for residential rehabilitation, this new commercial hub will feature Grade-A office spaces for corporates, high-street retail outlets, hotels catering to business travellers, and co-working hubs designed for small firms and individual professionals. Crucially, it will be equipped with core utilities, including water, power, internet, and internal roads, ensuring a robust and modern commercial infrastructure capable of supporting diverse economic activities. This planned integration of commercial zones within a redeveloped informal settlement is a unique model for urban transformation.
The project’s economic scope is immense, aiming to bring over 12,000 existing informal commercial units under a regulated framework. These units, currently operating without a formal legal structure, span small-scale manufacturing, retail, and various services. By formalising these businesses, the redevelopment plan targets a threefold growth in Dharavi’s local economy, fostering structured business activity and unlocking significant economic potential. This formalisation is vital for ensuring equitable access to financial services, legal protections, and growth opportunities for micro, small, and medium enterprises, many of which are run by women, thereby promoting gender-neutral economic empowerment.
Seamless transport access and connectivity are paramount to the success of this new CBD. The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) is actively integrating Dharavi’s commercial area with Mumbai’s extensive railway lines, burgeoning metro corridors, and major arterial roads. Furthermore, a multi-modal transit hub (MMTH) is being planned in the vicinity, promising enhanced accessibility. Improved connectivity is expected to make the commercial zone highly viable for businesses, attracting investment and facilitating the efficient movement of goods and people, which is crucial for urban economic vitality and reducing traffic congestion.
From a sustainability perspective, the Dharavi redevelopment project, with its integrated CBD, presents a unique opportunity to create a zero net carbon, eco-friendly urban environment. By formalising and upgrading existing structures, and by designing new commercial spaces with modern, energy-efficient standards, the project can significantly reduce the area’s environmental footprint. The focus on multi-modal transport integration encourages the use of public transit, thereby lowering vehicular emissions. Furthermore, planned waste management systems and green building practices within the CBD can contribute to a healthier and more sustainable urban ecosystem.
The long-term revenue generation from commercial leasing and operations within the new business district is strategically earmarked to support the broader redevelopment, including critical housing and civic upgrades. This self-sustaining financial model positions the CBD as a long-term economic base within the redeveloped Dharavi, ensuring its continued growth and the sustained improvement of living conditions for its residents. This comprehensive approach to urban renewal, balancing economic development with social upliftment and environmental responsibility, offers a compelling model for transforming informal settlements into thriving, equitable, and sustainable urban centres.
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