Buoyed by strong developer participation in its pilot slum cluster redevelopment project in Andheri (West), the Slum Rehabilitation Authority (SRA) has begun the process of expanding the initiative to several large slum settlements across Mumbai, including Wadala Truck Terminal, Behrampada in Bandra East and Majaswadi in Andheri East.
According to sources, the authority has identified 18 additional slum clusters for redevelopment under Maharashtra’s Slum Cluster Area Redevelopment Scheme and has initiated the process of securing approvals from the High-Powered Committee. The programme forms part of the state government’s broader objective of creating a slum-free Mumbai while providing permanent housing and upgraded civic infrastructure to residents.
The move comes after the successful bidding process for the 101.36-acre cluster redevelopment project at C.D. Barfiwala Marg in Andheri (West), which was selected as the pilot project under the scheme. Reliance 4IR Realty Development Ltd emerged as the top-ranked bidder through a competitive tender process. Sources said the proposal for appointing the developer has already been submitted to the state government for final approval.
The Slum Cluster Area Redevelopment Scheme received state approval on November 13, 2025, under the State Housing Policy 2025. Unlike conventional project-by-project rehabilitation, the scheme seeks to redevelop large, contiguous slum pockets through an integrated planning model.
Officials said the response from developers to the Andheri project has reinforced confidence in the feasibility of large-scale cluster redevelopment. The participation of major private-sector companies is also being viewed as a positive sign for Mumbai’s urban renewal and affordable housing efforts.
The redevelopment model aims to create planned neighbourhoods with wider roads, improved public amenities, open spaces and enhanced infrastructure alongside rehabilitation housing.
Government estimates suggest the programme could benefit between six and seven lakh slum residents. Officials believe the cluster-based approach will play an important role in addressing housing shortages, improving land utilisation and transforming informal settlements into organised urban communities.
Source: The Free Press Journal
