Mumbai is set to witness one of its largest slum redevelopment drives, with the Slum Rehabilitation Authority (SRA) advancing cluster redevelopment plans for three major settlements—Behram Pada in Bandra East, the Wadala Truck Terminal area, and Majaswadi in Jogeshwari. The proposals have reached the final stage and are expected to be submitted shortly to a high-level state government committee for approval.
Among the three, the redevelopment of the 140-acre Behram Pada cluster is considered particularly significant. Located near Bandra East railway station, the densely populated settlement has long faced challenges related to unauthorised construction, recurring fire incidents, and inadequate infrastructure. Authorities believe the project will not only rehabilitate residents but also improve the overall urban environment around one of Mumbai’s busiest transit hubs.
The Behram Pada redevelopment plan covers nearly 12,000 slum structures along with MHADA and private buildings within the project area. Officials say long-pending rehabilitation issues in the locality have now been addressed, clearing the way for redevelopment.
The largest of the proposed projects is the 450-acre Wadala Truck Terminal cluster redevelopment. The project is expected to rehabilitate around 70,000 slum residents, making it one of the most extensive urban renewal initiatives undertaken in the city. Meanwhile, the 260-acre Majaswadi cluster in Jogeshwari is expected to provide rehabilitation benefits to approximately 50,000 residents.
Collectively, the three projects are projected to rehabilitate nearly 1.33 lakh slum dwellers while also offering improved housing opportunities to residents living in thousands of existing buildings within the redevelopment zones.
The cluster redevelopment initiative forms part of a broader strategy to revive stalled and fragmented slum rehabilitation projects across Mumbai while creating better roads, infrastructure, and civic amenities. The SRA has already identified 19 slum clusters for redevelopment, with the 101-acre CD Barfiwala Marg project in Andheri serving as the first pilot initiative. A contractor has already been appointed for that project.
Once the state government approves, authorities will initiate the tendering process to appoint development and construction agencies. Preparatory work for the tender stage is already underway, signalling the beginning of a major transformation of some of Mumbai’s largest informal settlements.
Source: Loksatta
