The Maharashtra government has approved revised terms for the utilisation of an 8.5-hectare parcel of Mother Dairy land in Kurla, earmarked for rehabilitating ineligible slum dwellers from Dharavi as part of India’s largest slum redevelopment initiative.
This strategic land allocation aims to provide sustainable housing solutions for families displaced from Dharavi who do not qualify for on-site rehabilitation, while also integrating essential social infrastructure such as schools, healthcare facilities, and commercial amenities to foster holistic community development. This decision follows a government resolution issued last year, assigning the Slum Rehabilitation Authority (SRA) the responsibility to manage the Kurla site within the expansive Dharavi redevelopment framework. The initiative targets the resettlement of approximately 8.5 lakh families residing in Dharavi — a sprawling urban cluster often described as Asia’s largest slum. Around five lakh families are planned to be housed within Dharavi itself, whereas the remaining 3.5 lakh families, deemed ineligible for on-site rehabilitation, require alternative accommodation, necessitating the use of additional land parcels like the Kurla Mother Dairy site.
Officials emphasise that this policy for ineligible families does not merely focus on housing but encompasses the provision of vital amenities designed to elevate residents’ living standards. The Kurla site plans incorporate integrated facilities such as educational institutions, healthcare centres, and commercial hubs to promote self-sufficient, resilient communities rather than isolated housing clusters. However, this move has generated significant political opposition, with several parties and community stakeholders expressing concerns over relocating Dharavi residents outside the traditional slum boundaries. Critics argue that off-site rehabilitation could disrupt social networks and livelihoods, while supporters maintain that expanding into new areas is indispensable to addressing Mumbai’s housing deficit sustainably.
The Mother Dairy site holds additional significance due to its longstanding role in Mumbai’s food supply chain. Established in 1974, Mother Dairy is a fully owned subsidiary of the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB), an institution created by an Act of Parliament, underscoring the land’s institutional heritage. The ongoing redevelopment of Dharavi is being executed under the aegis of a major private sector partner, the Adani group, adding another layer of complexity and public scrutiny to the project. From a broader urban planning perspective, the utilisation of Kurla’s Mother Dairy land reflects a growing trend in Mumbai’s cityscape, where redevelopment strategies must balance competing demands of housing, commercial activity, and social infrastructure. The government’s approach aligns with sustainable urbanisation goals that promote inclusive, equitable development while mitigating the environmental impact of unplanned urban sprawl.
In parallel with this development, the Maharashtra cabinet has approved the extension of toll waivers at five major Mumbai entry points until September 2029. These toll waivers, initially introduced prior to recent state assembly elections, form part of a contractual arrangement with MEP Infrastructure Pvt Ltd, which manages key access points and maintains flyover infrastructure in Mumbai. The current contract with MEP Infrastructure, effective since 2010, is due to expire in late 2026, making this extension a significant decision for Mumbai’s urban transport and fiscal policies. The decision to extend toll waivers is designed to alleviate commuting costs for millions of daily travellers, reduce congestion-related emissions by encouraging smoother traffic flow, and ease the financial burden on Mumbai’s working population. This move complements the government’s broader commitment to creating a more sustainable, inclusive urban environment by integrating transport affordability with housing and infrastructure reforms.
Urban experts note that while the Kurla site rehabilitation plan presents challenges, including land use complexities and political resistance, it embodies a pragmatic attempt to reconcile Mumbai’s acute housing shortage with sustainable development imperatives. Rehabilitation beyond Dharavi’s core reflects a necessary shift towards multi-nodal housing strategies, leveraging peripheral land assets to decongest overstretched slum clusters. The inclusion of social infrastructure in the Kurla rehabilitation plan also signals a move away from purely shelter-centric approaches to one that prioritises human development, quality of life, and gender-neutral community building. By embedding schools, healthcare, and commerce within the redevelopment framework, the authorities aim to create vibrant neighbourhoods that facilitate upward social mobility and foster equitable urban citizenship.
Despite political dissent, officials involved in the project underscore that comprehensive stakeholder consultations and social impact assessments are ongoing to ensure that displaced families retain access to livelihood opportunities and community support networks. The authorities have committed to a transparent, participatory process, recognising that successful slum rehabilitation hinges not just on brick-and-mortar solutions but on the socio-economic fabric that sustains urban poor communities. Looking forward, the Kurla Mother Dairy site redevelopment may serve as a blueprint for other cities grappling with informal settlements and housing backlogs. The integration of sustainable infrastructure, gender-inclusive design, and equitable access to services within a redevelopment context exemplifies a modern approach to urban governance.
Moreover, this project underlines the importance of leveraging institutional land assets in metropolitan areas to expand affordable housing while ensuring environmental stewardship. The redevelopment aligns with Maharashtra’s broader policy frameworks targeting zero net carbon growth, waste minimisation, and energy-efficient building standards — essential elements for climate-resilient urban futures. Mumbai’s slum rehabilitation landscape remains politically sensitive, but initiatives like the Kurla housing project demonstrate a commitment to systemic reform that balances social justice, environmental sustainability, and urban resilience.
The ongoing dialogues between government agencies, civil society, and affected communities will be critical in shaping outcomes that benefit the city’s diverse population and uphold the principles of equitable urban development.
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