The Dharavi Redevelopment Project (DRP) is set to transform Mumbai’s densely populated slum. The final master plan will be published soon, outlining the resettlement of approximately 1.4 lakh housing units. Only 35-40% of the land will be utilized for construction, with an estimated investment of Rs 2-3 lakh crore needed to complete the project.
- 1.4 lakh units will be resettled as part of the Dharavi Redevelopment Project.
- Only 35-40% of the land mass will be used for construction.
Master Plan Announcement and Land Use
The long-awaited master plan for the Dharavi Redevelopment Project is expected to be unveiled within the next month. Covering a substantial area of 590 acres, the plan aims to address the housing and infrastructure needs of a densely populated region currently home to around 10 lakh residents. The proposed blueprint will outline specific land use patterns, paving the way for the rehabilitation of slum residents and the construction of new residential, commercial, and industrial units. According to the plan, only 35-40% of the land mass will be utilized for construction, which is crucial considering the existing population density of 2.2 lakh people per square kilometer. This density starkly contrasts with the average of 23,000 for the rest of Mumbai. The project aims to provide adequate living conditions while maintaining essential community services.
Investment and Infrastructure Development
The Dharavi Redevelopment Project is projected to require a significant investment of between Rs 2-3 lakh crore, which will cover housing as well as physical and social infrastructure. The lead developer, Adani Group, has already mobilized Rs 2,000 crore in compulsory convertible debentures and is seeking additional funding. The rehabilitation component of the project alone is expected to cost approximately Rs 25,000 crore. The plan includes providing 350 sq ft tenements to eligible households while also addressing the needs of those who may be ineligible for free housing. The project will also take steps to ensure that no new illegal constructions arise in Dharavi, which has long been a challenge in the region. As part of the project, the government intends to provide homes for residents settled in Dharavi between 2000 and 2011, offering alternative housing for Rs 2.5 lakh outside the area.
Moreover, the project will generate Transfer of Development Rights (TDR), which builders will be obliged to use in their future projects. This TDR will be available for sale and is aimed at driving further development in the city. The initiative not only seeks to uplift the living conditions in Dharavi but also aims to streamline urban development across Mumbai.
Future Implications of the Dharavi Redevelopment Project
The Dharavi Redevelopment Project is poised to have significant implications for urban planning in Mumbai. By addressing the housing crisis in one of the city’s most densely populated areas, the project could set a precedent for future redevelopment initiatives. The expected increase in housing units, coupled with improved infrastructure, may lead to a more sustainable urban environment. As the project progresses, it will be crucial for stakeholders to monitor the impact on existing residents and ensure that their needs are met throughout the redevelopment process.
