Mumbai’s long-delayed Aram Nagar society redevelopment is finally moving forward, with the Maharashtra Housing and Area Development Authority (MHADA) proposing an additional development rights scheme expected to generate ₹497 crore in revenue. The project, located in Andheri West, has been pending for nearly seventeen years, and the revised plan promises substantial benefits for existing residents as well as the civic body’s finances.
Aram Nagar spans approximately 40 acres in a prime western Mumbai neighbourhood. Instead of granting free housing units, MHADA’s new proposal seeks approval from the state government to monetise extra buildable area through a premium. If sanctioned, this approach could provide rehabilitation homes of around 2,000 square feet each for 360 current residents, offering significantly improved living standards. The additional construction area, termed “chatai kshetrafal,” amounts to nearly 65,981 square metres. MHADA intends to monetise this space, receiving the premium in instalments over the redevelopment period. According to an official, “This plan balances resident rehabilitation with financial prudence, allowing the authority to fund future housing initiatives sustainably.”
The project’s history highlights long-standing challenges. Initially approved in 2008, redevelopment stalled due to the previous developer’s inaction. The agreement was terminated in 2018, and residents subsequently selected a joint venture led by ABVO Realty in partnership with Oberoi Realty. The updated proposal is now awaiting state government clearance. However, the project faces additional complexities. Portions of the land include trust-owned plots and an old-age home that require relocation before construction can begin. Industry experts emphasise that effective coordination between MHADA, developers, and local authorities will be crucial for timely progress.
The redevelopment aligns with broader urban planning goals of creating equitable, inclusive, and modern housing while optimising city land use. By offering residents spacious, well-planned homes and generating revenue for the authority, the project exemplifies a pragmatic approach to addressing Mumbai’s housing pressures. A senior urban planner noted, “Such projects demonstrate how redevelopment can enhance citizen welfare while enabling sustainable urban growth.” For the long-time residents of Aram Nagar, the plan represents renewed hope after years of uncertainty. Experts predict that if implemented efficiently, the redevelopment could become a model for similar stalled projects across the city, reinforcing MHADA’s role in delivering sustainable and inclusive urban housing solutions.
MHADA Unveils Rs 497 Crore Aram Nagar Redevelopment Plan After Seventeen Years Delay
