The Maharashtra government is considering granting higher “potential” Floor Space Index (FSI) for buildings within the airport funnel zone in Mumbai, to alleviate redevelopment restrictions imposed by height caps, deputy chief minister and urban development portfolio holder said on Monday. This shift aims to revitalise aged structures in neighbourhoods including Vile Parle, Santacruz, Kurla, Dahisar and Juhu.
Officials confirmed that local buildings constructed in the 1970s and 1980s have struggled with redevelopment due to stringent height limits under the airport’s funnel zone policy. While basic FSI and transferable development rights (TDR) are currently available, many developers argue these are insufficient. In response, the government plans to discuss a “potential FSI” option with area legislators to supplement existing provisions. The deputy chief minister explained that this approach aligns with sustainable city growth by enabling redevelopment while preserving airport safety standards. “We understand the challenges these buildings face and are prepared to explore potential FSI as a redevelopment mechanism,” he noted, emphasising the strategy’s alignment with equitable urban renewal.
The move represents a recalibration of funnel zone guidelines, which historically restricted vertical development to ensure aviation safety. It also marks the first instance of offering TDR in funnel zone redevelopment, traditionally reserved for land acquisitions, signalling a more flexible policy framework. On parallel infrastructure fronts, the government is advancing plans to relocate high-frequency transmission towers managed by the Airports Authority of India in Andheri, Dhisar and Juhu. Officials confirmed alternative sites have been shortlisted in Gordon and Madh, and the transfer may be completed within 6–8 months. The relocation is expected to remove redevelopment barriers and stimulate redevelopment in previously constrained zones.
Urban planning experts have hailed these dual measures—tower relocation and potential FSI—as transformative for Mumbai’s real-estate landscape. One observer commented that merging aviation safety protocols with enhanced redevelopment incentives could foster a greener, denser, and more sustainable city fabric. However, experts also warn that implementation must be equitable, gender-neutral, and transparent. They stress that potential FSI should benefit all communities equally, avoiding the exclusion of small-scale developers or marginalised households.
As discussions with lawmakers progress, the government’s willingness to adapt regulations represents a step forward in addressing urban redevelopment inequities. The successful roll-out of these reforms will be crucial for building a sustainable, inclusive Mumbai.
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