The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) has applied to the Ministry of Environment and Forests (MoEF) for environmental clearance for the Ramabai Ambedkar Nagar slum redevelopment project. Phase 1 construction is expected to commence once the necessary approvals are secured. Although a ceremonial launch was held in October last year, on-ground work has been delayed due to pending statutory permissions.
Parallelly, the Slum Rehabilitation Authority (SRA) has initiated the relocation of over 200 remaining residents from a designated Recreation Ground (RG) plot, which is now required for the first phase of project execution. The displaced families are being provided with two years’ rent compensation, funded directly by the SRA.
An SRA official stated that these residents were earlier not scheduled for immediate shifting as the land was not urgently needed. However, with MMRDA requiring the plot for project works, the relocation drive has begun. Certain religious structures identified for shifting will temporarily be moved to the RG plot before it is fully vacated.
According to MMRDA’s master plan, the redevelopment spans 31.83 hectares, with Phase 1 covering 6.95 hectares and comprising 5,623 tenements. Overall, the project proposes approximately 17,000 housing units across 30 rehabilitation buildings. Each structure will feature basement parking, a commercial ground or stilt level, and 22 residential floors reaching up to 70 metres. The 300 sq ft one-bedroom units will be serviced by eight lifts per building.
Mandatory amenities under DCPR 2034 Clause 33(10) will include an anganwadi, health centre, fitness centre, community hall, Yuva Kendra, library and society office.
The Rs 8,498 crore redevelopment will also facilitate land acquisition for the extension of the Eastern Freeway. Funding will come through institutional loans, including support from the Bank of Maharashtra, marking MMRDA’s first major slum rehabilitation initiative.
Source: The Free Press Journal
