June 12, 2025: The initial phase of the Dharavi Redevelopment Project (DRP) is now underway, with plans to construct 10,000 rehabilitation flats in towers reaching up to 30 storeys on railway land in Mahim. According to DRP Chief Executive Officer SVR Srinivas, these flats are expected to be ready within the next three years, as reported by The Times of India.
Construction is currently progressing on a 47.5-acre parcel of railway land, which falls under the Dharavi notified area. The DRP has secured physical possession of 28 acres of this land, where accommodation is also being developed for railway employees.
Srinivas noted that priority for the new 350 sq ft flats will be given to residents from Sector 1 — those living closest to the railway land. However, the overall redevelopment of Dharavi will not strictly adhere to a sector-by-sector framework. The area has been divided into five sectors, and the completion of Phase 1 is anticipated to free up between 60 to 70 acres for subsequent redevelopment activities. “Our goal is to minimise the time people spend in transit housing. Once this first phase is complete, we intend to accelerate the pace,” said Srinivas, as quoted by the media.
For those who do not qualify for free housing under the Dharavi Redevelopment Project, the DRP is planning to develop rental accommodation at multiple alternative locations. One such site is the Kurla Dairy Land, which spans 21.5 acres. Another identified location is the Jamasp Salt Pan Land in Mulund, covering 58.1 acres. A significantly larger site, measuring 140 acres, has been proposed at Aksa in Malad West, although formal handover of this land is still pending.
In addition, 124 acres at the Deonar dumping ground have been earmarked for future housing development. However, this land will require a period of at least three to four years to become viable, as it must first undergo scientific closure and obtain the necessary environmental clearances.
Source: Times Now
