September 15, 2025: Residents of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel (SVP) Nagar in Andheri West, one of the largest Maharashtra Housing and Area Development Authority (MHADA) colonies, are uncertain about the future of their homes after the authority declared plans to redevelop the entire cluster.
In a letter dated July 7, MHADA Vice-President and Chief Executive Officer Sanjeev Jaiswal informed the state housing department that the colony would be redeveloped through the appointment of a construction and development agency, following the model used at Motilal Nagar, Abhyudaya Nagar, Bandra Reclamation and Adarsh Nagar, under Regulation 33(9) of the Development Control and Promotion Rules.
SVP Nagar, established in 1993 under a World Bank project, covers a vast tract of Andheri West and comprises 98 cooperative housing societies, along with over 300 larger individual plots. Of these, seven societies have completed redevelopment and three are under construction, while six have signed agreements. This leaves 82 societies, home to nearly 2,700 families, still awaiting clarity.
MHADA’s proposal outlines a cluster redevelopment scheme aimed at providing modern amenities such as playgrounds, gyms, swimming pools, theatres and clubhouses, alongside larger homes for residents. Several buildings and chawls in the colony are in a dilapidated condition, strengthening the case for redevelopment.
However, despite MHADA’s announcement, private developers continue to approach societies with independent offers, leaving residents confused. “The letter states MHADA will handle redevelopment, but private developers are still offering deals. We need clarity so that residents are not misled,” said one local resident.
Infrastructure expert Ratnakar Ahire noted that due to complexities in floor space index (FSI) calculations and limited profitability under Regulation 33(5), private developers had shown little interest. MHADA, he added, prefers a cluster development model that offers fairer FSI distribution and housing stock for the authority itself.
Source: Mid-day
