The ambitious redevelopment of Dharavi is picking up speed, with authorities preparing to begin construction of rehabilitation housing on a key land parcel in central Mumbai. The Dharavi Redevelopment Project (DRP) has called on residents in Sector 6, located on a 35-acre railway plot in Matunga, to cooperate and vacate their homes to facilitate the next phase of work.
In the initial stage, around 11,000 rehabilitation units, each measuring 350 sq ft, will be developed on the land acquired from Indian Railways. This parcel forms a crucial part of the Dharavi Notified Area (DNA), which was originally envisioned as largely vacant and ready for immediate development. However, the presence of existing settlements has required a phased evacuation approach.
The DRP has urged residents to complete rental agreements with Navbharat Mega Developers Private Limited (NMDPL) and vacate their premises. The company, in which the Adani Group holds an 80% stake, is leading the redevelopment, while the Maharashtra government retains the remaining 20%.
Residents from clusters such as Ganesh Nagar-Meghwadi, SVP Nagar, Azad Nagar A & B, Azad Nagar C, and Kamala Raman Nagar have been identified for early relocation to enable timely construction of “key-to-key” rehabilitation housing. Authorities have advised residents to vacate before the onset of the monsoon or the new academic year to minimise disruption.
“Early vacating will enable multiple construction fronts to open up and ensure faster delivery of rehabilitation homes,” a DRP official said.
Officials emphasised that clearing the railway land is essential to begin construction, as there is no alternative given the presence of existing dwellers. To support residents during the transition, the DRP is offering transit accommodation or rental housing options. A one-time shifting allowance of ₹5,000 will be provided, along with rent support featuring a 5% annual increase until permanent homes are allotted, ensuring a smoother relocation process.
Source: The Economic Times
