Dharavi Redevelopment: PM to hand over 10,000 homes in 18 months.

Fadnavis says the project will transform living standards and economic activity in Mumbai’s largest slum cluster.

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis announced in the Assembly that the first phase of the ambitious Dharavi Redevelopment Project will be completed within the next 18 months. As part of this milestone, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to personally hand over the keys to 10,000 newly built homes, marking a significant step in reshaping one of Asia’s largest informal settlements.

Fadnavis emphasized that the initiative is not limited to housing but is designed to transform Dharavi’s social and economic fabric fundamentally. “This is about creating better living conditions while integrating Dharavi’s vibrant informal economy into the formal sector,” he said.

Rehabilitation and Eligibility

Residents who qualify under the 2000 cut-off year will be rehabilitated within Dharavi itself, ensuring they remain rooted in their community. Those covered under the extended 2011 criteria will also be accommodated upon payment of a nominal contribution of ₹2.5 lakh. Individuals found ineligible or whose properties fall outside the redevelopment zone will not be displaced far away; instead, they will be allotted homes in areas adjacent to Dharavi.

Each eligible family will receive a 350-sq-ft apartment, designed to provide dignity and stability for households that have long lived in cramped, unsafe conditions.

Scale of the Project

Spread across 600 acres in central Mumbai, the redevelopment is being described as one of the world’s largest urban renewal efforts. The plan involves constructing nearly 95 million sq ft of rehabilitation housing alongside 130 million sq ft of commercial space. In total, the project will impact around 1.6 lakh residential and industrial units, as well as the redevelopment of commercial establishments operating within Dharavi.

To encourage participation and investment, the government has announced that no GST will be levied for the first five years. The redevelopment is being executed through a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) under a public-private partnership with the Adani Group.

Broader Urban Renewal Vision

Beyond Dharavi, the state has identified 19 cluster redevelopment projects across Mumbai, including Juhu Galli, Behrampada, and Antop Hill. According to Fadnavis, these initiatives are part of a larger vision to make Mumbai slum-free while simultaneously boosting its economic infrastructure.

Describing Dharavi as a “future economic hub,” Fadnavis said the redevelopment will not only provide modern housing but also create opportunities for businesses, artisans, and small industries to thrive in a more organized environment.