Redevelopment of BDD Chawls Transforming Mumbai Housing Landscape
The iconic BDD chawls in Mumbai, once a symbol of the city’s industrial growth, are finally set to undergo a dramatic transformation that promises a new beginning for thousands of working-class families. Located in areas such as Worli, Naigaon, and NM Joshi Marg, these chawls, which have long been plagued by cramped living conditions and ageing structures, are now at the centre of an ambitious redevelopment project. Spearheaded by the Maharashtra Housing and Area Development Authority (MHADA) and supported by the state government, the redevelopment will not only provide a modern living space for thousands but also significantly change Mumbai’s urban landscape. The first set of newly constructed apartments in Worli is expected to be handed over by March 2025, marking the beginning of a new chapter for residents.
Originally built between 1920 and 1925 by the British government, the BDD chawls were designed to accommodate industrial workers and migrants who flocked to Mumbai seeking employment. Over the years, these chawls became home to mill workers and low-income families, fostering tight-knit communities despite the difficult living conditions. Today, Mumbai is home to 207 BDD chawls across four locations: Worli (121 chawls), Naigaon (42 chawls), NM Joshi Marg (32 chawls), and Sewri (12 chawls). The pressing need for redevelopment has been voiced for years, as the ageing structures have become increasingly unsafe, and the living conditions are no longer fit for habitation.
The redevelopment plan, launched in 2017 under the leadership of former Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, has seen significant progress, with the project budgeted at a staggering Rs 16,000 crore. The model adopted focuses on rehabilitation of original tenants, with 68% of the land dedicated to this purpose, while the remaining area is allocated to private developers for the construction of sellable apartments. This approach ensures the project’s financial viability, as the sale of market-rate apartments will help fund the construction of homes for the existing residents. In Worli, the first batch of 556 rehabilitated homes, each measuring 500 sq ft, will be delivered in early 2025. This is a far cry from the 160 sq ft rooms that many families have lived in for generations, representing a significant improvement in their living conditions.
The sustainability angle of the project is evident in both the environmental and social benefits it offers. The new developments will not only provide modern homes with better amenities but will also enhance the overall urban infrastructure in Mumbai. A self-sustained community will be created, with the addition of schools, hospitals, recreational spaces, and other public amenities. These facilities will improve the quality of life for the residents, creating a more sustainable urban environment. Moreover, the integration of green building practices and energy-efficient designs will further contribute to the city’s sustainability goals. The project’s scale and scope, including a massive 180,000 sq m commercial complex in Phase 1, exemplify a forward-thinking approach to urban renewal, where redevelopment serves as both a solution to housing shortages and a means to rejuvenate the urban fabric of Mumbai.
From a civic perspective, the redevelopment of the BDD chawls is a game-changer for the city’s housing landscape. While it brings hope and opportunity to thousands of families who have long suffered from substandard living conditions, it also highlights the need for careful planning to ensure that the development does not exclude other vulnerable groups in the city. In Naigaon and NM Joshi Marg, redevelopment efforts are already underway, with work progressing steadily. However, challenges remain, particularly in Sewri, where the project has been delayed due to land transfer issues with the central government. As Mumbai continues to evolve, the BDD chawls redevelopment project serves as an example of how urban renewal, when executed thoughtfully, can uplift entire communities while fostering sustainable growth.
