June 13, 2025: Kamathipura, one of South Mumbai’s oldest and most densely populated neighbourhoods, is poised for a massive transformation as MHADA has invited tenders to appoint a construction and development agency for its ambitious redevelopment. The century-old, crumbling buildings across the 34-acre area will be replaced by high-rises offering modern amenities, making this Mumbai’s largest cluster redevelopment scheme.
The project is expected to provide a major fillip to the real estate sector, following the Bhendi Bazaar redevelopment—also known as the Saifee Burhani Upliftment Trust (SBUT) project—which spans 16.5 acres. Kamathipura is divided into a grid of 15 lanes and comprises 943 cessed buildings, 349 non-cessed buildings, 14 places of worship, and two BMC-run schools. All structures will be redeveloped in a unified manner under Regulation 33(9) of the Development Control and Promotion Regulations (DCPR) 2034, through the Mumbai Building Repairs and Reconstruction Board.
Approved by the state government in January 2023, Mahimtura Consultants has been appointed as the project management consultant. Under the redevelopment, over 8,000 tenants—including 6,625 residential and 1,376 commercial occupants—will be provided with larger, modern homes and improved infrastructure. Additionally, about 800 landowners will benefit from compensation in the form of residential units, based on plot size.
MHADA will receive 44,000 square metres of land for affordable housing, while developers will get rights to build 5.67 lakh square metres, translating into around 4,500 units.
Once infamous as a red-light district, Kamathipura is now home to a diverse population including migrant workers and lower to middle-income families. The area also hosts several cottage industries like denim dyeing, leather goods, zari embroidery, and scrap trading—all of which are expected to benefit from the neighbourhood’s transformation.
Source: Hindustan Times
