Mumbai is set for a large-scale urban transformation as the Maharashtra Housing and Area Development Authority (MHADA) advances redevelopment plans for 11 major housing clusters spread across more than 900 acres in the city. The projects, being implemented under MHADA’s Construction and Development (C&D) model, are expected to attract private investments exceeding Rs 3 lakh crore and facilitate the redevelopment of nearly 75,445 housing units.
The redevelopment strategy marks a shift away from individual building projects towards integrated township development. Under the C&D model, MHADA identifies large housing layouts, appoints financially strong private developers through a bidding process, and seeks to maximise rehabilitation benefits for existing residents while creating additional housing stock and generating revenue.
“A lot of these projects were stuck for several years because the focus was on redeveloping individual buildings, and the projects would turn out to be unviable,” said Sanjeev Jaiswal, MHADA vice president and CEO.
Among the projects that have already been awarded are clusters at Abhyudaya Nagar, GTB Nagar, Adarsh Nagar in Worli, Bandra Reclamation, Motilal Nagar, Kamathipura and SVP Nagar in Andheri. According to Jaiswal, “The projects have attracted large premium developers, who are more likely to ensure timely completion and quality work since their reputations are also at stake.”
Developers benefit from larger sale components created through higher Floor Space Index (FSI), while residents receive upgraded homes within integrated townships featuring modern amenities. “Even if the redevelopment of individual buildings is viable, in the case of an individual building the redevelopment could be a little faster, but we will be simply creating one vertical building and some basic amenities. In the C&D model, we have podiums, gardens at multiple levels, pet care centres, walking arenas, green spaces and green buildings. The quality of life of the people who will be rehabilitated will see a major upgrade,” Jaiswal said.
Some of Mumbai’s largest planned cluster redevelopments include Charkop in Kandivali, spanning 201 acres, and Gorai, covering 256 acres. Together, these projects are expected to rehabilitate more than 46,000 families and attract investments exceeding Rs 1.6 lakh crore.
While several projects have gained momentum, some clusters have faced resistance from residents concerned about losing autonomy over redevelopment decisions. Nevertheless, MHADA views cluster redevelopment as a key tool to unlock ageing housing layouts, optimise land use and create large integrated urban communities across Mumbai.
Source: The Print
