The Maharashtra government has unveiled a new model of slum redevelopment in Mumbai that merges affordability with features traditionally seen in private residential complexes.
This flagship project—titled ‘Shreeji Sharan’—has been completed in Kandivali (West) and could serve as a benchmark for similar initiatives across the country. Standing tall at 30 storeys on Mumbai’s Link Road, the redevelopment accommodates around 700 economically vulnerable families, signalling a substantial shift in how slum rehabilitation is envisioned. The state administration is now preparing a blueprint for this model to be potentially rolled out in other Indian states, with an emphasis on equitable living standards and holistic community development.
What sets this project apart is not just its scale but its range of amenities. Residents now have access to a wellness zone, spa, gym, yoga studio, creche, podcast recording room, and a library—facilities once considered beyond the scope of rehabilitation housing. Additionally, a primary hospital, guest accommodation, a community hall, a reception lobby, and podium-level parking have been integrated within the complex. Each apartment spans 300 square feet, efficiently designed to include essential facilities while maintaining comfort and dignity for occupants. The approach reimagines slum housing by introducing lifestyle and healthcare infrastructure, thereby acknowledging the multifaceted needs of urban residents beyond mere shelter.
Urban development officials stated that the project aims to eliminate the long-standing stigma associated with slum rehabilitation. By introducing features usually exclusive to luxury developments, the government hopes to foster inclusivity and pride among residents of SRA housing. Experts involved in the project underscored the necessity of breaking away from dated rehabilitation models, instead promoting developments that align with the aspirations of Mumbai’s low-income communities. According to civic officials associated with the planning process, the Shreeji Sharan project was undertaken under the banner of corporate social responsibility (CSR) by a private developer. The intent was not only to provide housing but to catalyse a shift in public perception about slum dwellings and promote a community-centric vision of urban regeneration.
State urban planning authorities have expressed intent to replicate the project’s design ethos in upcoming SRA developments across the city. With Mumbai’s growing population and escalating housing crisis, the model presents an opportunity to balance housing demand with human dignity and sustainable planning. Planning professionals advocating for inclusive cities noted that such rehabilitation models could become catalysts for change, embedding the principles of gender neutrality, environmental sustainability, and equitable access to amenities within public housing schemes. Notably, the project incorporates environmentally responsible design elements that prioritise efficient use of space and resource-conscious construction practices.
Urban policy analysts further observed that integrating wellness and education-focused infrastructure within affordable housing helps create upward mobility and social cohesion. These features contribute not only to better quality of life but also to the long-term success of resettlement and rehabilitation efforts, particularly in a city like Mumbai where land is scarce and demand for dignified living is immense. Community development experts highlighted the psychological shift brought about by such housing—residents no longer feel like beneficiaries of a welfare programme, but rightful citizens of a city that recognises their contribution to its economic and cultural fabric.
With the early success of the Shreeji Sharan model, state officials are expected to draft new policy guidelines that mandate such facilities in all future slum redevelopment schemes. Discussions are also underway to create a digital dashboard that monitors the social outcomes of rehabilitation projects, including improvements in health, education, and employment among resettled families. While this new paradigm in SRA housing has garnered praise from urban planners and civic leaders, housing rights advocates cautioned that successful replication will require strong political will, transparent governance, and ongoing engagement with communities to ensure sustainability.
As the model gains traction, it holds the promise of transforming urban rehabilitation in India from a basic necessity-driven exercise into a bold experiment in equitable, inclusive city-making.
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