June 17, 2025: In a significant move aimed at easing the woes of slum dwellers, the Maharashtra state government has decided to appoint new developers to revive 86 long-stalled Slum Rehabilitation Authority (SRA) projects across Mumbai. The decision was taken at a high-level review meeting on Monday, chaired by Mumbai suburbs’ guardian minister, Ashish Shelar.
These projects, many of which have been on hold for years, have left thousands of families in limbo. Over 50,000 affected slum residents had shifted to temporary accommodation with the promise of permanent homes, only to find rent payments from developers abruptly discontinued. The cumulative unpaid rent across these 86 projects amounts to Rs 279 crore.
The issue was highlighted during the recent state legislature budget session and gained urgency following a 2023 Bombay High Court directive that criticised the SRA and state government for failing to deliver on a Wadala project pending since 2013.
In response, the government has now decided to expedite the removal of defaulting builders. Legal notices have already been issued to the 86 errant developers, and their rights are set to be revoked, clearing the path for new, credible developers to take over.
“This decision will bring much-needed relief to thousands of suburban residents awaiting rehabilitation. It will also restore confidence in the SRA process,” said Minister Shelar.
Officials also reported that, as of May 2025, developers under various SRA schemes—including the state’s amnesty initiative—owe a total of Rs 1,382.48 crore in unpaid rent. Of this, Rs 735.67 crore has been recovered, with Rs 646 crore still pending.
The revival of these 86 projects is seen as a crucial step toward reinstating the trust of affected families and accelerating slum redevelopment in Mumbai.
Source: Hindustan Times
