Mumbai’s Dharavi is set to undergo a significant transformation with a comprehensive redevelopment project focusing on structured urban planning and improved connectivity. The plan proposes the introduction of a well-organised grid road system, with streets spaced 125 metres apart and ranging between nine and 12 metres wide. This new layout will replace the existing narrow, congested internal roads, which currently comprise just three main arteries: Dharavi Main Road, 90 Feet Road, and 60 Feet Road.
Urban planners aim to more than double the 20-kilometre road network outlined in Mumbai’s 2016 Development Plan, creating a multi-layered street network designed to enhance movement, reduce congestion, and provide direct access to public transport hubs. Rather than simply widening roads, the strategy adopts a ‘complete streets’ approach, ensuring equal and safe access for vehicles, pedestrians, and cyclists alike.
Green Spaces and Public Parks to Enrich the Area
The Dharavi Notified Area (DNA) will also benefit from the creation of multiple open spaces, including large public parks and smaller community play areas. These green spaces will be integrated within residential zones, guaranteeing that all families have access to safe, well-maintained outdoor environments. Currently, such spaces are scarce, with children often forced to play in dusty areas that double as roadways. The new parks and recreational zones are expected to foster social interaction, promote physical activity, and contribute to the area’s environmental resilience.
Revamping School Facilities and Access
The redevelopment plan also envisions a complete overhaul of the educational infrastructure. Existing municipal schools, presently housed in ground-floor structures, will be relocated to new composite school buildings catering from playgroups to Class 10. Each school will feature a dedicated playground to support physical education—a long-overdue facility for the community. Additionally, private schools with modern amenities will be introduced and made accessible to local residents. The final count of schools will depend on the revised population figures after some residents are relocated to satellite townships.
This redevelopment aims to create a more liveable, connected, and inclusive Dharavi, providing its residents with better infrastructure, improved mobility, and an enhanced quality of life.
Source: Times Property
