July 2, 2025: Dharavi, often described as Asia’s largest slum, is poised for a major transformation with plans to include a dedicated commercial business district as part of its extensive urban renewal initiative. The move aims to bring formal employment and economic uplift to one of Mumbai’s most densely populated areas.
A substantial portion of the nearly 600-acre redevelopment site will be earmarked for commercial purposes, including Grade-A office spaces, retail hubs, co-working centres, hospitality services, and modern infrastructure. According to officials involved in the planning, this central business district (CBD) is designed to attract firms across various sectors and help integrate existing informal businesses into the formal economy.
“This commercial precinct will be developed on land not reserved for residential rehabilitation. It will upgrade existing enterprises in Dharavi and aims to grow the local economy by at least threefold,” said a person close to the project.
The commercial zone is intended to be financially self-sustaining and generate revenues to support other elements of the Rs 96,000-crore redevelopment project, led by the Adani Group in partnership with the Maharashtra government. The larger scheme seeks to provide proper housing, civic amenities, and infrastructure for over one million residents, along with formalising over 12,000 businesses.
A hybrid approach is being considered—leasing part of the commercial inventory to large corporations while reserving space for Dharavi’s small-scale industries and retailers.
Improved connectivity is central to the plan. The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) is working to integrate Dharavi with nearby railway lines, metro corridors, and major roads via the upcoming Multi-Modal Transit Hub (MMTH).
Experts believe this integrated commercial strategy could redefine Dharavi’s identity—from an informal settlement to a model urban business district, setting a precedent for future redevelopment efforts in India.
Source: Times Of India
