The Maharashtra government has launched a groundbreaking model for slum redevelopment in Mumbai, blending affordability with amenities typically reserved for high-end housing. The flagship project, titled ‘Shreeji Sharan’, has been completed in Kandivali (West), standing as a 30-storey residential tower on the bustling Link Road. Accommodating nearly 700 economically vulnerable families, the project signals a major shift in the approach to slum rehabilitation—one that places equal emphasis on dignity, comfort, and community wellbeing.
What truly sets Shreeji Sharan apart is its holistic design and comprehensive suite of amenities. Residents enjoy access to a wellness zone, spa, gym, yoga studio, creche, library, and even a podcast recording room—facilities rarely seen in public housing. The complex also includes a primary hospital, guest accommodation, a community hall, reception lobby, and podium-level parking, offering a living experience that surpasses conventional rehabilitation expectations. Each flat is a compact yet functional 300 sq ft, designed to balance affordability with quality of life.
This bold reimagining of rehabilitation housing aims to challenge the stigma historically associated with SRA (Slum Rehabilitation Authority) projects. By introducing features common in luxury developments, the initiative fosters a renewed sense of pride and ownership among residents. Urban development officials emphasise that this model is not just about shelter but about offering a comprehensive urban lifestyle that caters to the evolving aspirations of Mumbai’s low-income population. Developed under the corporate social responsibility (CSR) arm of a private firm, Shreeji Sharan exemplifies a public-private synergy that redefines the potential of affordable housing.
The project’s success has sparked interest across urban planning circles, with authorities preparing to replicate its model citywide and even nationally. In a metropolis grappling with a housing crisis and limited land availability, the Shreeji Sharan concept offers a practical and progressive solution. Officials are drafting new policy guidelines to institutionalise such amenity-rich, environmentally sustainable frameworks in all upcoming SRA projects. Plans are also underway for a digital social impact dashboard to monitor health, education, and employment outcomes among resettled families.
Experts argue that integrating wellness, education, and environmental sustainability into public housing not only enhances quality of life but also contributes to upward social mobility. In doing so, such projects promote a community-centric and inclusive vision of urban development. Residents no longer perceive themselves as passive recipients of aid but as equal participants in Mumbai’s growth story. Urban sociologists note that this psychological transformation is as vital as the physical upgrade of housing conditions.
As the Shreeji Sharan model gains momentum, it is being hailed as a template for future urban regeneration—one that prioritises equity, inclusivity, and human dignity. However, housing rights advocates caution that its replication must be backed by robust political commitment, transparent governance, and continuous community engagement to remain sustainable in the long run. If executed effectively, this paradigm shift could reshape not only Mumbai’s skyline but also the future of affordable housing in India.
Source: Urban Acres
