Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) has been formally designated as the nodal agency to develop a Multimodal Transport Hub (MMTH) under the Dharavi Redevelopment Project (DRP). The decision, approved via a government resolution issued on June 18, follows a high-level review chaired by Maharashtra’s Deputy Chief Minister in April.
The transport hub is being conceived as an integrated node connecting metro, suburban rail, bus, and non-motorised transport modes. Planned in the heart of the 259-hectare redevelopment zone, it will act as a crucial interchange for thousands of daily commuters in and around Dharavi. The proposed location offers seamless accessibility to Sion station on Central Railway and Mahim station on Western Railway, forming a pivotal east-west link within the larger Mumbai urban transit grid.
MMRDA, in coordination with the Dharavi Redevelopment Authority and other transport bodies, has been entrusted with drafting a detailed execution plan for the MMTH. Authorities are also actively studying the viability of an additional metro station within Dharavi to enhance north-south connectivity. This new node would supplement the under-construction Metro Line 3 (Colaba–Bandra–Seepz) and connect to the proposed extension of Metro Line 11 (Wadala–CSMT), which may now be realigned to pass through Dharavi, enabling a key interchange between metro corridors.
Metro Line 11, being implemented by Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation Ltd (MMRCL), is part of a ₹16,000 crore infrastructure plan, with two critical stations planned—one near Sion and another inside Dharavi. In parallel, an upgraded BEST bus depot will be developed as part of the MMTH. In return, around 12 acres currently occupied by the Dharavi and Kalakilla depots in Sion East—catering to roughly 300 buses and housing various utility offices—will be absorbed into the multimodal plan.
What sets the MMTH apart from conventional transit stations is its emphasis on sustainability and inclusivity. Planners intend to incorporate dedicated pedestrian walkways, cycling tracks, and facilities for feeder buses—ensuring equitable last-mile access across all income groups. Officials involved in the project describe it as a “future-ready” mobility solution aimed at reducing dependence on private vehicles while promoting environmentally conscious travel.
The integrated mobility hub is envisioned as a gateway for Dharavi’s urban transition, ensuring that residents—many of whom have long been underserved in terms of civic and transport infrastructure—are well connected to Mumbai’s expanding transit network. With feeder services planned for peripheral communities, the hub aims to act as a lifeline, not just for Dharavi, but for the broader central Mumbai region.
As Mumbai expands its footprint of metro and bus connectivity, the Dharavi MMTH project is poised to become a benchmark for mobility-led urban regeneration. Its success could redefine how large-scale slum redevelopment projects incorporate sustainable transportation and inclusive infrastructure, contributing to a vision of cities that are accessible, equitable, and resilient.
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